Faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) took active roles at the 41st Founding Anniversary and Annual Convention of the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MCNAP), held on November 28-29, 2024, at the Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel, Intramuros, Manila. The event, which gathered leading nursing professionals and educators from across the country, focused on advancing maternal, neonatal, and child health care practices under the theme “Moving Forward 2030: Championing Our Cause Nurse Specialist Practitioner for Better Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Care Globally.”
UC-CON Faculty Leadership and Representation
Mrs. Judith Layao, UC-CON faculty member and Secretary of the MCNAP Baguio-Benguet Chapter played a crucial role in organizing and ensuring the chapter’s impactful contributions to the event. Her dedication highlighted UC-CON’s strong commitment to advancing maternal and child health nursing in the region. Alongside Mrs. Layao, Dr. Jude Tayaben, UC-CON faculty member and President of the MCNAP Baguio-Benguet Chapter, also played a significant role, leading the chapter’s participation and representing the experiences of Northern Luzon.
UC College of Nursing was the only academic institution from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to participate in the event, marking a significant achievement for the university. This distinction not only underscores UC-CON’s leadership in the nursing community but also emphasizes its commitment to enhancing maternal and child health standards
The UC-CON delegation was further strengthened by the participation of Mrs. Nasper Anod, Level 2 Coordinator; Mrs. Josephine Minger, Level 3 Coordinator; and Mrs. Agnes Baniwas, faculty member. Each played a key role in engaging with the conference’s diverse sessions and activities, representing UC-CON’s dedication to professional growth and academic excellence.
Key Sessions and Discussions
The convention provided an extensive platform for discussing essential maternal, neonatal, and child nursing topics. UC-CON faculty actively participated in plenary sessions that focused on critical areas of nursing practice and education:
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP): Highlighting the importance of equipping nurses with life-saving skills to care for distressed newborns.
- Neonatal Critical Cyanotic Congenital Heart Diseases: A session that delved into the challenges and approaches to managing severe congenital conditions in newborns.
- Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Issues: Addressing the current healthcare challenges in maternal and child health, particularly in evolving societal needs.
Faculty members also took part in panel discussions on clinical practices, legal boundaries, and financial management in maternal and child nursing, as well as updates on curriculum standards for nursing education, facilitated by national organizations such as PRC-BON, CHED, and PNA.
The Role of UC-CON Faculty in Shaping Future Practices
UC-CON’s active engagement in the convention underscores the college’s dedication to providing high-quality nursing education that is in line with national and global healthcare standards. By participating in these important discussions, UC-CON faculty were able to bring back valuable insights and innovative strategies to further enhance the curriculum and clinical practice in maternal and child nursing at the university.
The involvement of faculty leaders like Dr. Tayaben and Mrs. Layao highlights the integral role UC-CON plays in shaping the future of nursing education and practice in the Philippines. Their leadership not only strengthens the university’s impact but also elevates the standard of maternal and child nursing care in the region.
A Step Towards Global Nursing Standards
This year’s MCNAP convention was an opportunity for UC-CON faculty to not only share their expertise but also to learn from the nation’s foremost experts in maternal and child health care. The exchange of knowledge and experiences at the convention will undoubtedly enhance UC-CON’s ability to deliver cutting-edge education to its nursing students, helping them become leaders in the field of maternal and child health care.
