March 22, 2024 | Lamut Campus, Ifugao State University (IFSU) – The 17th Regional Student Nurses Congress, hosted by Ifugao State University (IFSU) through the College of Health Sciences (CHS), brought together nursing students, educators, and healthcare professionals from across the region. The event, held at the Luis Hora Gymnasium, gathered participants from 14 higher education institutions under the Cordillera Association of Nursing Deans (CAND).
Themed “University in Diversity: Navigating and Advancing Transcultural Nursing for Health Equity,” the congress focused on addressing the growing need for inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. This year’s congress marked a historic first for IFSU as the host of the prestigious regional event.
Dr. Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon, President of IFSU, welcomed the attendees and acknowledged the vital role that nurses and healthcare professionals play in bridging cultural divides to ensure universal access to quality healthcare. She highlighted the event’s alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 on Quality Education, and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Dr. Codamon-Dugyon emphasized that collaboration, communication, and respect are key in building a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
The event featured two esteemed speakers: Dr. Florence C. Cawaon, former member of the Philippine Regulatory Board of Nursing, and Dr. Norenia T. Dao-ayen, former Associate Dean of Saint Louis University. Dr. Cawaon led a session on “Cultural Competence and Complexities of Transcultural Nursing,” while Dr. Dao-ayen presented on “Perspectives on Health Equity.” Both speakers provided valuable insights into strategies to ensure fair and just healthcare access for all, followed by open forum discussions.
The 14 member institutions of the Cordillera Association of Nursing Deans (CAND) include Abra Valley Colleges, Baguio Central University, Benguet State University, Cordillera Career and Development College, Divine Word College of Bangued, Easter College Inc., Ifugao State University, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Pines City Colleges, Saint Louis University, Saint Tonis College, Inc., Star Colleges, Inc., University of Baguio, and University of the Cordilleras.
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) was well-represented at the congress, with faculty and students led by Dean Judith Odanee G. Magwilang. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for networking, learning, and reinforcing the commitment to advancing health equity through transcultural nursing practices.
