09/05/2026
📍Caring Across Borders: UKSW and BukSU in Global Nursing Education through Visiting Professorship and Student Exchange ✨
The Bukidnon State University College of Nursing and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana successfully concluded their 1st In-Person Culmination of Collaborative Online International Learning on Community Health Nursing, thru a four-day educational and cultural visit from May 4-7, 2026. Behind this significant milestone is the leadership of our SMART BukSU University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, with Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, Vice President for Research Extension and Innovation, Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lincoln V. Tan, Vice President for Student Affairs & Services, Mr. Dante S. Victoria, Vice President for Administration & Finance, with the guidance of Dr. Rizza R. Consad, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages, together with the leadership of the College of Nursing Dean Dr. Ma. Algerica T. Cuenco. Also instrumental to the success of the program were Department Chair Dr. Fatima C. Tanzo, Dr. Lharra Mae C. Postrano College of Nursing Internationalization Coordinator, and the entire College of Nursing faculty and staff, whose dedication and collective efforts made the four-day event as smooth and meaningful as possible.
For 4-days, we welcomed with Bukidnon warmth and hospitality UKSW’s Vice Dean Dr. Priska Lydia S. Pulungan, Head of Nursing Science Study Program, Dr. Maria Dyah Kurniasari, with students Mr. Raditia Pernando & Ms. Frenska Ryachel Paskalisa. Our UKSW visitors were able to sat down for a Faculty Academic Meeting with the College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Ma. Algerica T. Cuenco, together with the College of Nursing Level Coordinators, discussing the nursing curriculum from both ends, attend a Research Engagement with Dr. Zenas B. Paloma & Dr. Beulah Joy K. Damasco, sharing valuable insights on each of the study presented, further promoting the collaboration between UKSW and BukSU. Mr. Giovanni Jan N. Sanchez with Ma’am Zusette Grace Paano then accompanied Dr. Maria, Dr. Priska, Raditia & Frenska to Barangay’s Sumpong, Kalasungay and Barangay 9 for their Clinical Benchmarking.
On Wednesday, our visitors, together with Sir Fritz Estrevillo & Ma’am Jess Burlaos toured around the Provincial tourists’ spots, like Lake Apo, Communal Ranch, Lover’s Lane, Monastery of Transfiguration and at our very own Kaamulan Grounds for their Cultural Immersion which was then followed by their Courtesy Call with Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran.
Prior to the Closing Program on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Priska Lydia S. Pulungan and Dr. Maria Dyah Kurniasari presented a lecture-discussion on their country’s healthcare system with the Level II Nursing students at the CON New Building Amphitheater. The Closing Program then followed at the BukSU Mini Theater, where heartfelt messages of gratitude and appreciation were exchanged. Dr. Maria, Dr. Priska, Raditia, and Frenska reflected on their four-day experience, expressing their sincere appreciation for the warmth, hospitality, and rich culture they encountered, while sharing how Malaybalay City and Bukidnon State University made them feel at home. Meanwhile, Mr. Giovanni Jan N. Sanchez and Ms. Therese Mainit, serving as instructor and student representatives, also shared their insights and experiences from their previous visit to Indonesia for the same academic and cultural exchange initiative.
This Culmination stands as a powerful reminder that nursing transcends geographical boundaries, cultures, and languages. This collaboration between Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana and Bukidnon State University highlights the importance of international partnerships in shaping globally competent, culturally responsive, and compassionate nursing professionals. Through shared learning experiences, academic exchange, and meaningful collaboration, both institutions continue to strengthen the future of nursing education, empowering students and educators alike to lead with excellence, empathy, and a deeper commitment to healthcare without borders.
📸Sir Gelbert Cabunoc
