The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and progressive nursing education through active participation in the 2025 Summer Conference of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, Inc. (ADPCN), held on June 5–6, 2025 at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
The UC delegation was composed of key academic leaders: Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, Dean of the College of Nursing; Mrs. Judith A. Layao, Program Coordinator and Quality Assurance Officer; Mrs. Nasper P. Anod, Level 2 Coordinator; and Miss Sonia C. Olnanigon, Board Exam Coordinator. They were joined by faculty members Ms. Daisy B. Itchock and Ms. Marie Agnes N. Baniwas, all representing the college in this significant national gathering of nurse educators and administrators.
The two-day event opened with a vibrant display of cultural identity through the MassKara-themed performances from Bacolod-based universities, setting the tone for a conference that celebrates both tradition and transformation in nursing education. The welcome remarks delivered by Dean Ma. Imelda O. Javier and ADPCN President Dean Sheila R. Bonito underscored the importance of collaboration among nursing institutions to meet national and global standards.
Day 1 featured robust discussions on timely educational strategies and policy updates. A powerful keynote was delivered by Dr. Marjorie G. Tangog on authentic assessment within an outcome-based education framework, which emphasized the need for real-world competencies in nursing graduates. This was followed by academic sessions addressing regional integration and public health priorities. Dr. Maria Theresa M. Talavera explored the integration of ASEAN nutrition competencies into the nursing curriculum, while Ms. Luz Barbara P. Dones presented innovative strategies for enhancing public health nursing competencies aligned with Universal Health Care goals.
Technology and ethics also took center stage as Atty. Salex E. Alibogha delivered an insightful presentation on the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare and education. The afternoon sessions turned interactive as delegates engaged with the CHED Technical Panel for Nursing Education, who discussed updates on curriculum reforms, competency standards, and accreditation frameworks. The day closed with an engaging dialogue with the Professional Regulation Commission’s Board of Nursing, focusing on emerging challenges and regulatory trends in clinical practice and licensure.
On Day 2, participants began with morning praise and energetic intermission numbers from various institutions, fostering camaraderie and regional pride. The morning plenary was led by Dean Sheila Bonito, who presented the State of the World’s Nursing Report with specific implications for the Philippine context, emphasizing data-driven strategies to inform local nursing policies. This was followed by Dr. Johanna Clare Banzon’s presentation on recruitment, retention policies, and improving work standards to sustain a resilient nursing workforce.
In the afternoon, Mr. Omar Z. Montejo from the Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines addressed the challenges facing the nursing workforce, such as staffing shortages, burnout, and migration trends. A dynamic open forum allowed participants to exchange institutional strategies, raise concerns, and propose collaborative solutions. The conference concluded with synthesis and closing remarks from Dean Aries M. Baldonado and Dean Febes Catalina T. Aranas, reinforcing the ADPCN’s commitment to responsive and inclusive nursing education.
The presence and active engagement of UC College of Nursing’s delegates in this national academic forum underscore the college’s dedication to faculty development, policy responsiveness, and curricular innovation. Under the leadership of Dr. Magwilang and her team, UC CON continues to be a key player in shaping the future of nursing education—locally grounded, nationally engaged, and globally informed.
