On February 18, 2023, the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) held a Faculty Development Program (FDP) seminar on Community Organizing Participatory Action Research (COPAR) at the UC Training Center, led by guest speaker Dr. Norenia Dao-ayen. The seminar, attended by clinical instructors handling community duties, provided insights into COPAR as an empowering, community-centered approach to health care.

Dr. Dao-ayen led discussions on the phases of COPAR—Pre-Entry, Entry, Organizational Building, Consolidation, Strengthening and Sustenance, and Phase-Out. She emphasized how these stages enable effective community organization and sustainable health improvements.

The training prepared UC-CON clinical instructors to better support nursing students in community rotations by applying COPAR principles. With enhanced knowledge, instructors are now equipped to guide students in fostering strong community connections, actively engaging in local health initiatives, and establishing enduring partnerships that support community health.