Integrating service, learning, and partnership for healthier and more resilient communities.
Kapangan, Benguet — September 25, 2025.
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, marking another milestone in UC-CON’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through community-centered health initiatives.
Accompanied by their Clinical Instructor, Mr. Ferdinand C. Tercero, the students paid courtesy visits to local officials, beginning with Hon. Harris Dizon, newly elected Mayor of Kapangan, followed by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Mary Joy Fermin at the Rural Health Unit (RHU), and Barangay Captain Mario Soriano at the Barangay Hall of Pongayan. These engagements emphasized the value of partnership and coordination in strengthening community health systems.
At the Pongayan Multipurpose Hall, the students took part in multiple health promotion activities such as 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 served as judges. These participations allowed students to bridge classroom learning with real-world service while supporting ongoing public health initiatives of the municipality.
A highlight of their immersion was the Blood Letting Activity, where UC-CON students assisted Barangay Health Workers in assessing donors, monitoring vital signs, facilitating questionnaires, performing blood typing, and assisting during medical consultations. Five students volunteered as blood donors, embodying compassion and professional responsibility.
Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition, especially among children and vulnerable populations.
Through participation in nutrition programs and the Nutrition Trade Fair, students supported community awareness of healthy eating and food security.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential healthcare services.
The students’ involvement in blood donation, hypertension–diabetes clubs, and health monitoring promotes disease prevention and improved community health outcomes.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Target 4.7: Ensure that learners acquire knowledge and skills for sustainable development and health literacy.
By conducting health lectures and community teaching sessions, students actively engaged in knowledge exchange and experiential learning.
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Target 10.2: Promote social inclusion of all, regardless of location or economic status.
The CHN immersion in rural Kapangan ensures access to health services for underserved populations, reducing health disparities.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable community development and participatory local governance.
Collaboration with barangay and municipal health boards strengthens local health capacity and resilience.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships between government, academia, and civil society.
The partnership between UC-CON, the LGU of Kapangan, the Rural Health Unit, and Barangay Health Workers exemplifies effective collaboration for sustainable health outcomes.
Conclusion
The UC-CON Level 3 CHN duty in Kapangan serves as a living model of how nursing education can advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through active community engagement. By working closely with local leaders, health professionals, and residents, UC-CON students exemplify leadership, compassion, and social accountability—key attributes of globally competent nurses committed to building healthier, more sustainable communities.
