UC-CON and LGU Kibungan Seal Partnership to Advance Community Health

Kibungan, Benguet — October 7, 2025.
The University of the Cordilleras (UC), through its College of Nursing (UC-CON), has formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kibungan, Benguet. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in UC-CON’s continuing efforts to strengthen community-based nursing education and public health initiatives across the Cordillera region.

Representing UC-CON were Dr. Sheila Maria G. Batoon, Level III Community and Hospital Coordinator, and Ms. Lily Christy Baludda, Faculty Member. The MOA was signed together with Hon. Agustin J. Tello, Municipal Mayor of Kibungan, and Dr. Hydre Nga-ew, Municipal Health Officer (MHO)—affirming both institutions’ shared mission to promote accessible, equitable, and quality health care for the people of Kibungan.

Strengthening Learning Through Service

Under this partnership, UC nursing students will be deployed to LGU-managed health facilities, including the Rural Health Unit (RHU), Barangay Health Stations (BHS), and other community health centers.

Students will actively assist in:

Immunization drives and maternal–child health programs
Health education and promotion campaigns
Disease prevention and surveillance initiatives
Community development projects under the COPAR framework (Community Organizing Participatory Action Research)

Through this collaboration, student nurses will gain authentic community exposure—bridging classroom knowledge with practical experience while developing leadership, cultural competence, and social responsibility.

A Shared Vision for Universal Health Care

The UC-CON–LGU Kibungan partnership supports the national vision of Universal Health Care (UHC) by fostering stronger academic–community linkages that enhance the delivery of public health services in rural areas.
By aligning nursing education with local health priorities, UC-CON continues to prepare competent, compassionate, and community-centered nurses dedicated to advancing health equity and sustainability.

UC-CON’s Commitment to Partnership and Service

UC-CON extends its gratitude to Mayor Agustin J. Tello, Dr. Hydre Nga-ew, and the entire LGU Kibungan for welcoming this collaboration.
Through strategic partnerships with local government units, UC-CON remains steadfast in promoting community engagement, primary health care, and nursing excellence—contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: