Promoting Community Health Through Service and Collaboration
November 14, 2024 – Pongayan, Kapangan, Benguet. Level III and IV nursing students from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) actively participated in “Project Shalamat,” a bloodletting initiative and health assembly held at the Pongayan Barangay Hall as part of their community immersion activities.
The project, led by Barangay Captain Mario Soriano and Community Nurse Brelyn Atinyao, gathered healthcare professionals, students, and local residents to strengthen health services and awareness in the area.
Student Participation and Community Involvement
UC-CON students contributed significantly to the event by donating blood and assisting in blood typing, vital signs monitoring, and related clinical procedures. Guided by their Clinical Instructors Ferdinand C. Tercero and Buen Guisala, and supported by the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Blood Bank Services, students demonstrated competence, compassion, and professional discipline throughout the activity.
Their participation not only supported the local community’s health initiatives but also provided them with hands-on learning experiences, reinforcing their practical skills and civic responsibility as future nurses.
Health Assembly and Public Awareness
Alongside the bloodletting event, the 4th Barangay Health Board Assembly was held, tackling important public health topics such as Tuberculosis, HIV, and the value of voluntary blood donation. UC-CON students actively engaged in these discussions, deepening their understanding of community health issues and public health management.
The assembly highlighted the importance of continuous health education and collaboration between healthcare providers, local leaders, and academic institutions in promoting well-being and disease prevention.
Commitment to Community Health and Partnership
“Project Shalamat” exemplifies the spirit of community partnership and shared responsibility in healthcare. Through the collective efforts of UC-CON, local government leaders, and health agencies, the initiative successfully addressed key health concerns while nurturing community trust and participation.
The involvement of UC-CON students underscores the university’s commitment to service-learning and the holistic development of nursing professionals dedicated to improving lives through education, advocacy, and compassion.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3.3 – End the epidemics of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.
The event raised awareness on communicable disease prevention and promoted voluntary blood donation to strengthen health systems. - SDG 4.7 – Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development and global citizenship.
Students applied nursing competencies in real-world settings, fostering experiential learning and civic engagement. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public–private, and civil-society partnerships.
The collaboration between UC-CON, BGHMC, and the local government of Kapangan exemplified multi-sectoral partnership in advancing public health.
