Baguio City, Philippines – March 1, 2025 – The University of the Cordilleras (UC) Auditorium served as the venue for the 1st Scientific Conference on Advancing Interprofessional Education: A Path to Better Care, organized in collaboration with the Cordillera Association of Nursing Deans (CAND) and the Philippine Nurses Association – Cordillera Administrative Region (PNA-CAR). The event welcomed approximately 135 nurse educators, nursing professionals from various nursing schools and institutions, and graduate students from the Master of Nursing Education programs across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It was also attended and supported by faculty members from UC-CON.
A distinguished lineup of speakers shared insights into critical aspects of nursing education and professional practice. Dr. Susan Fowler Kerry, a professor from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, delivered the keynote address, where she highlighted pressing challenges such as nursing shortages, curriculum gaps in emerging practices, and the need for innovative strategies to enhance nursing competencies. She also recognized the dedication and expertise of Filipino nurses in the global healthcare landscape.
The plenary sessions featured highly esteemed experts who tackled various key topics:
- Hon. Carmelita C. Divinagracia explored the significance of the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF)in strengthening nursing competencies, career mobility, and professional development through the CPSP-CATssystem.
- Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas examined the relationship between climate change and public health, emphasizing the need for nurses to lead environmental health advocacy and champion sustainable healthcare initiatives.
- Dr. Mary Grace Lacanaria discussed the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE) Outcomes-Based Test Framework, aligning nursing assessments with global standards to ensure safe and competent nursing practice.
The conference provided a platform for interactive discussions, research presentations, and collaborative engagement aimed at fostering interprofessional education and improving healthcare service delivery. Participants gained valuable knowledge and strategies to address evolving challenges in the nursing field.
Dr. Judith Odanee Magwilang, President of CAND and Governor of PNA-CAR, led the event, reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to enhancing nursing education and preparing future healthcare professionals for the demands of an evolving profession.
Building on the success of this inaugural conference, CAND and PNA-CAR plan to implement further initiatives to promote interprofessional collaboration, professional development, and excellence in nursing education and practice across the Cordillera region and beyond.
