Promoting Community Health, Gender Equality, and Inclusive Access to Care
On December 4, 2024, the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) students and recent graduates—now registered nurses following their success in the November 2024 Nurse Licensure Examination—participated in a medical and dental mission organized by Philex Mining Corporation at Camp 3 Elementary School, Tuba, Benguet.
The mission aimed to promote health and well-being in the local community by offering essential healthcare services, including HIV screenings, Pap smears, and cervical cancer screenings. The collaboration with Philex Mining Corporation featured active participation from the UC Youth and Adolescent Sexuality and Health Hub (UYAHH), a student-led organization under UC CON that advocates for adolescent health and reproductive rights.
UC CON students and graduates contributed to a variety of services addressing the health needs of the community. UYAHH led educational lectures on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), HIV 101, Dental Health, and Triage Procedures, empowering residents with knowledge to make informed health choices.
UC CON graduates Samantha Soliven, Udanee Omaweng, and Leah Paquito, all newly licensed nurses, facilitated cholesterol and uric acid testing, capillary blood glucose (CBG) monitoring, and health education sessions on lifestyle modification and disease prevention.
Clinical Instructor and UYAHH Adviser Beth Viduya, RN, led Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening, contributing to early detection and women’s health promotion. Additionally, Balay Marvi, an affiliate of UYAHH, conducted HIV screening and counseling, ensuring confidentiality and client-centered care.
This outreach activity allowed UC CON students and graduates to apply their nursing competencies in a community setting, demonstrating the college’s commitment to public service, preventive health, and holistic nursing education.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This activity supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 1.3 – Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.
Free services for residents in mining communities reduced financial barriers to healthcare and promoted inclusive well-being. - SDG 3.3 – End the epidemics of AIDS and other communicable diseases.
HIV screening and counseling contributed to prevention, awareness, and early detection. - SDG 3.4 – Reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and health promotion.
Educational activities on NCDs encouraged lifestyle changes that prevent chronic illness. - SDG 3.7 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
Pap smears and VIA screenings advanced women’s health and preventive reproductive care. - SDG 5.6 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
Women’s health initiatives empowered participants and supported gender equality in healthcare. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil-society partnerships.
The collaboration among UC CON, Philex Mining Corporation, and Balay Marvi exemplifies strong partnerships for sustainable community health.
