The historic city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, served as the inspiring backdrop for the 5th NEPRAGuild Biennial International Conference, held on July 15–16, 2025, at the University of Northern Philippines (UNP). With the theme “Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of Care through C.O.N.V.E.R.G.E.N.C.E.”, the conference brought together a vibrant community of nurse educators, practitioners, researchers, and students from across the Philippines and abroad.
The acronym C.O.N.V.E.R.G.E.N.C.E.—Collaboration, Optimism, Network, Value, Equity, Resilience, Governance, Excellence, Nurturance, Competence, and Economics—embodied a collective commitment to advancing nursing through innovation, unity, and shared purpose. Organized by the Nurse Educators and Practitioners Guild, Inc. (NEPRAGuild) in partnership with UNP, the two-day event provided a platform for exchanging evidence-based practices, showcasing student and faculty research, and fostering stronger international collaborations in nursing education and healthcare delivery.
UC College of Nursing: A Strong Presence
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) demonstrated its academic and leadership excellence through active participation. Notably, Dr. Judith Odanée G. Magwilang served as a plenary speaker on Day 2, delivering a talk titled “Convergence of Our Future,” which emphasized the transformative role of collaborative, economically empowered nursing practice.
She was joined by UC CON faculty members Dr. Sheila Maria G. Batoon (Level IV Coordinator), Mr. Gilbert D. Bernardino Jr. (Level I and Research Coordinator), Mr. Ferdinand C. Tercero, and Mr. Laudemar Luis, who contributed their services to the Registration Committee. Senior faculty members Ms. Humbeline Sokkong and Ms. Belen delos Trinos also attended, reflecting UC CON’s strong support for professional development and academic engagement.
UC CON Student Excellence and Recognition
UC CON student representatives presented compelling oral and poster research, reinforcing their advocacy for evidence-informed and community-centered nursing care.
Oral Presentations:
- Carawell M. Cuyahon
- Marianne A. Formeloza
- Allysa Mae U. Higoy
- Amara Lorea D. Macalma
- Kert Rencis Padilla
- Tchaika Aleyah G. Tumbaga
- Bill Gerry Pilien
- Phoebe Epler
Poster Presentations:
- Sean Manaloto
- Efren W. Licdan
- Neil Cyrus Gian Bangtuan
Among them, Kert Rencis Padilla was awarded Best Oral Presenter (Student Category) for his exceptional research under the sub-theme “The Convergence of Our Care.”
Highlights of Day 1: Vision and Practice in Harmony
The opening ceremonies featured welcome messages from prominent leaders: Dr. Francis Don L. Nero (Dean, UNP College of Nursing), Ilocos Sur Governor Hon. Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson, Vigan City Mayor Hon. Randolf “Randy” V. Singson, and Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna (SUC President, UNP), all affirming the vital role of nurses in national development.
The keynote address by Dr. Edward V. Cruz, Associate Dean at the University of Windsor in Canada, set a global tone for the event. Morning plenary sessions featured Hon. Zenaida C. Gagno of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, who underscored the importance of regulation and professional growth.
The afternoon was dedicated to breakout sessions grouped into four research sub-themes:
- The Convergence of Our Nurses: advancing practice in clinical, educational, mental health, and community contexts.
- The Convergence of Our Future: addressing innovation, equity, and workforce sustainability in nursing education.
- The Convergence of Our Economics: exploring the entrepreneurial and financial impact of nursing as a profession.
- The Convergence of Our Care: centering on patient safety, advocacy, and outcomes.
Dynamic discussions were led by moderators from institutions including UNP, UC, Universidad de Zamboanga, and Hail University (Saudi Arabia). The day concluded with poster exhibits, cultural performances, and a welcome dinner, reflecting a blend of scholarship and community spirit.
Day 2: Global Dialogues and Milestones
Day 2 opened with a thought-provoking plenary by Dr. Judith Odanée Magwilang, emphasizing the importance of future-ready nursing education. Sessions on international nursing education and economics followed, featuring:
- Dr. Thaworn Isaac Arian Lorga – Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Thailand
- Mr. Erickson A. Feliciano – University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA
- Mr. Richard Irvin M. Bismonte – Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, Philippines
A key highlight was the official launch of the Nurse Educators and Practitioners Journal (NEPJ), with Dr. Norenia T. Dao-Ayen as Editor-in-Chief and Dr. Magwilang and Dr. Jude L. Tayaben as Associate Editors.
The ASEAN panel discussion on nursing education featured:
- Dr. Prapaporn Muangkaew – Thailand
- Dr. Nurul Kamariyah – Indonesia
- Dr. Jude L. Tayaben – Philippines
The conference concluded with awards for the best presentations, a keynote by Dr. Jhordin James C. Montegrico(University of North Carolina), and closing remarks by Dr. Grace Ann Lim-Lagura, NEPRAGuild VP for External Affairs. An educational heritage tour of Vigan followed, allowing participants to experience the cultural richness that shapes Filipino care values.
Advancing the SDGs through Nursing Convergence
The 5th NEPRAGuild Biennial International Conference strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through discussions on quality care, patient safety, and global health education.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – by promoting lifelong learning and strengthening nursing curricula through evidence-based practice.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by exploring entrepreneurship, fair wages, and economic empowerment in the nursing profession.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through international collaboration and knowledge exchange among ASEAN, Middle Eastern, and Western institutions.
By fostering convergence in education, research, governance, and practice, the event reaffirmed the nursing profession’s central role in achieving health equity, advancing universal health care, and building a resilient and empowered future for all.
