15/08/2026
Empowering Future Nurses: UNP-CN Convenes BSN Students, Stakeholders for Annual Orientation and Consultation
Setting a strong foundation for the upcoming academic year, the University of Northern Philippines - College of Nursing (UNP-CN) gathered 916 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students alongside key healthcare stakeholders for its annual College of Nursing Orientation Program and Stakeholders’ Consultation on August 07, 2026, at the UNP Gymnasium. Anchored in the University's commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and transformative education, the full-day assembly aimed to foster academic readiness, institutional alignment, and meaningful student engagement. The program actively supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by equipping students with essential competencies while simultaneously promoting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through an emphasis on health promotion, patient safety, mental wellness, and self-care as vital components of professional resilience.
The morning proceedings began with opening remarks delivered by College Dean Dr. Francis Don L. Nero, who warmly welcomed the nursing cohort and highlighted the essential values of excellence, compassion, and dedication required in the healthcare field. Following the introduction of faculty members and administrative personnel, BSN Program Head Dr. Epifania Marlene R. Purisima presented the college's general policies, detailing critical guidelines regarding admission, grading systems, retention, and dismissal criteria across all student categories. Transitioning to clinical expectations, Related Learning Experience (RLE) Coordinator Dr. Rolly M. Agup outlined RLE grading, uniform guidelines, duty hours, and make-up protocols. Dr. Agup specifically underscored professional accountability, cautioning students against clinical errors, breach of confidentiality, and charting inaccuracies. To safeguard student well-being, Dr. Rodel R. Rosario from the UNP Guidance Counseling Services Office presented essential referral and mental health counseling services available to the student body.
A central highlight of the event was the multi-sectoral stakeholders' consultation, reflecting the principles of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting transparency, shared governance, and active participation in academic decision-making. Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Ms. Mary Madelaine A. Salvador addressed the assembly on proper workplace ethics required during clinical affiliations in health institutions. Representatives from major partner health facilities across Ilocos Sur then conducted concise policy orientations on clinical roles and regulations. These key hospital partners included Chief Nurse Ms. Myra B. Gazmen of the Ilocos Sur Medical Center (ISMC); Mr. Michael M. Brillantes representing Chief Nurse Dr. Ryan Ugale of the Ilocos Sur General Hospital – Gabriela Silang (ISGH-GS); Chief Nurse Ms. Julette G. Guira of Northside Doctors' Hospital (NDH); OIC Chief Nurse Ms. Corazon A. Galinato of Ilocos Sur District Hospital - Magsingal (ISDH-Magsingal); and Chief Nurse Ms. Josefina R. Agam of Metro Vigan Hospital (MVH).
In line with Gender and Development (GAD) principles and SDGs 5 and 10 (Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities), the program emphasized safe, respectful, and discrimination-free learning environments. Recognizing student diversity, the orientation reinforced policies against gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and bullying to cultivate culturally sensitive, human-rights-oriented future nurses. During the open forum, known as the "Dean’s Hour," Dr. Francis Don L. Nero directly addressed and answered student queries regarding academic policies, the outcome-based curriculum, and clinical instruction. Student leaders and student journalists for Academic Year 2026–2027 were also recognized and formally inducted into office during the session.
Concluding the comprehensive program, Assistant Dean Prof. Mercedes P. Anicas delivered closing remarks, expressing sincere gratitude to university administrators, faculty, and clinical partners for their unwavering dedication to student development. Master of Ceremonies Licia Joyce V. Mariñas formally closed the assembly, signaling the readiness of Level II, III, and IV nursing students to commence their hospital and community clinical rotations on August 10, 2026. Ultimately, the orientation served as a transformative milestone, preparing a new generation of competent, ethical, and compassionate nurses committed to advancing health equity and serving their communities.
