Advancing International Collaboration and Excellence in Nursing Leadership, Education, and Research
The University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing (UC-CON) proudly took part in the NEPraGuild Midyear Conference & Workshop 2024, an international academic and professional development event held on July 19–20, 2024, at the University of the Cordilleras Theater, Baguio City, Philippines. With the theme “Strengthening Nurses’ Leadership, Management, & Research in 3Cs, Post-Pandemic Era,” the conference convened nursing leaders, educators, practitioners, and researchers from various institutions, fostering global collaboration, innovation, and advancement in nursing leadership, community health, and nursing education.
The Nurse Educators and Practitioners Guild, Inc. (NEPraGuild), organizer of the event, was established in 2016 in Ha’il, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, by nurse educators working in Saudi Arabia together with academic collaborators from the Philippines and Indonesia. UC College of Nursing faculty members were among the early members and contributors to the founding of NEPraGuild, helping shape its vision as a global scholarly organization. Initially formed to unite Filipino and expatriate nurse educators overseas, the Guild rapidly evolved into an international professional network promoting academic excellence, research collaboration, and continuing professional development across borders. This international foundation highlights NEPraGuild’s commitment to elevating nursing education and leadership worldwide.
International expertise further enriched the event as Dr. Jhordin James C. Montegrico of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA, delivered the keynote address and served as Scientific Program Chair. His session emphasized the transformation of leadership and research competencies among nurses in the post-pandemic era through cross-border collaboration and evidence-based practice. The conference concluded with an end keynote by Dr. Edward V. Cruz of the University of Windsor, Faculty of Nursing, Ontario, Canada, who underscored the importance of building resilient nursing education systems and developing a globally competent nursing workforce.
UC-CON played a significant role as a co-host institution, demonstrating its strong commitment to advancing nursing education locally and internationally. Dr. Nancy M. Flores, President of the University of the Cordilleras, officially opened the two-day event through her welcome remarks. Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, Academic Dean of UC-CON, served as a plenary speaker and shared insights on innovations and emerging leadership and management practices in nursing education. UC-CON faculty members also served as facilitators and resource speakers for workshop sessions on writing research publications, clinical supervision, and patient safety. Faculty and student participants actively engaged in plenary and scientific sessions, showcasing UC-CON’s strong contribution to research dissemination, leadership capacity-building, and global academic exchange.
The conference provided meaningful learning experiences through the exchange of international best practices, emerging trends in nursing education, and new directions in clinical and community nursing. It also strengthened global linkages supporting nursing education, workforce mobility, and research development—key drivers in enhancing healthcare systems in the post-pandemic era.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Alignment
This international scholarly engagement supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strengthened education, global collaboration, and professional capacity-building in nursing.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Indicator 3.8 (Universal Health Coverage)
This initiative contributes to improving the quality of healthcare services by enhancing nurses’ competencies in leadership, clinical supervision, and evidence-based practice, which are essential in advancing equitable and effective health service delivery. - SDG 4: Quality Education – Indicator 4.3 (Equal Access to Quality Tertiary Education)
The conference provides inclusive and globally informed learning opportunities for nursing faculty and students through international academic exchange, promoting lifelong learning and access to quality higher education and professional development. - SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Indicator 8.6 (Youth Education, Training, and Employment)
By upgrading skills in leadership, management, and research, the event increases employability and global workforce readiness of nurses, supporting decent work opportunities and fostering professional mobility both locally and abroad. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Indicator 17.17 (Effective Public, Public-Private, and Civil Society Partnerships)
UC-CON’s collaboration with NEPraGuild and international partner institutions strengthens cross-border academic partnerships, joint research, and shared professional initiatives, reinforcing global cooperation for quality nursing education and health development.
A Continuing Milestone in UC-CON’s Internationalization Journey
The success of the 2024 NEPraGuild Midyear Conference & Workshop marks another significant milestone in UC-CON’s internationalization efforts. By co-hosting this global academic event—together with its long-standing involvement in NEPraGuild since its Saudi-based founding—UC-CON reaffirms its commitment to cultivating globally competent nurse leaders equipped with the knowledge, innovation, and leadership skills needed for today’s evolving healthcare landscape. Through sustained partnerships and international engagement, UC-CON continues to uphold its mission of delivering excellence in nursing education, research, community health development, and global collaboration.
