The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) Level 3 students formally commenced their Community Health Nursing (CHN) duty for the First Semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 in Kapangan, Benguet. The program officially opened on September 25, 2025, with a series of courtesy calls to municipal and barangay leaders.
Accompanied by their Clinical Instructor, Mr. Ferdinand C. Tercero, the students were received at the Office of the Mayor by Hon. Harris Dizon, the newly elected mayor of Kapangan. They proceeded to the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for a meeting with Municipal Health Officer Dr. Mary Joy Fermin, and later visited the Barangay Hall of Pongayan, where they were welcomed by Barangay Captain Mario Soriano. These engagements emphasized the importance of partnership and coordination in advancing health initiatives at the community level.
The students actively participated in a range of health-related activities at the Pongayan Multipurpose Hall, including the Joint Nutrition Culminating Activity, the 3rd Barangay Health Board Assembly, the Hypertension–Diabetes Mellitus (HPN-DM) Club Assembly, and the Nutrition Trade Fair, where they also served as judges. Through these activities, the students integrated classroom knowledge with practical service while supporting the health and wellness programs of the community.
A key highlight of their immersion was the Blood Letting Activity, where the students assisted Barangay Health Workers in assessing donors, taking vital signs, facilitating questionnaires, conducting blood typing, and supporting medical consultations. Five nursing students further exemplified their commitment by volunteering as blood donors themselves, reflecting both compassion and professional responsibility.
These engagements also contribute to the advancement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger, through participation in nutrition programs and the Nutrition Trade Fair.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, through active involvement in blood donation, health monitoring, and disease prevention activities.
- SDG 4: Quality Education, through the conduct of health lectures and knowledge exchange with the community.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by extending services to rural and underserved populations.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by strengthening barangay health systems through collaboration and capacity-building.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through coordinated efforts with local government officials, the Rural Health Unit, and Barangay Health Workers.
The opening of the CHN duty in Kapangan reflects UC CON’s dedication to shaping competent, service-driven, and community-oriented nursing professionals. By working hand-in-hand with local leaders and health stakeholders, the students demonstrate their role not only as future nurses but also as advocates of sustainable community health.
