“Innovate. Advocate. Transform: The Nurse’s Blueprint for a Changing World”
Promoting leadership, innovation, and transformative nursing practice across the nation
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) faculty participated in the 103rd Foundation Anniversary and 68th Nurses’ Week Celebration during the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) 2025 National Annual Convention, held on October 21–23, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.
Carrying the theme “Innovate, Advocate, Transform: The Nurse’s Blueprint for a Changing World,” the convention gathered Filipino nurses from across the country to engage in discussions on innovation, leadership, education, and policy development in nursing. The event emphasized the profession’s vital role in advancing national health goals and supporting the evolving healthcare landscape through research, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration.
DAY 1 – INNOVATE: Embracing the Future of Care
The opening ceremony featured Gov. Rosana Grace B. Belo-Delariarte, PNA National President, and Gov. Megeve A. Sumampong, Chairman of the Board, leading the official declaration of the convention’s opening.
Hon. Sebastian Z. Duterte, Acting City Mayor of Davao, welcomed delegates and recognized the significant contributions of nurses to community health and national service.
The first day centered on innovation in nursing education, research, and practice.
Key highlights included:
- Keynote Address: “Innovate, Advocate, Transform: The Nurse’s Blueprint for a Changing World” by Dr. Marlon Garzo Saria, President of the Philippine Nurses Association of America.
- Plenary Sessions:
- “Powering Technology in Nursing Practice, Research, and Education” by Dr. Rozzano Locsin, Filipino Nurse Theorist.
- “Research Publication and the Philippine Journal of Nursing” by Dr. Erlinda Palaganas, Editor, Philippine Journal of Nursing.
- “Transition to Practice Program: Enhancing Nursing Confidence and Competence” by Dr. Wilven Jordan Romarate, Davao Doctors Hospital.
- Panel Discussion: “Future Directions of Philippine Nursing” featuring Hon. Leah Primitiva Paquiz, Chair of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, and other PRC Board members.
Day 1 underscored the value of technology, publication, and leadership in sustaining nursing excellence and global competitiveness.
DAY 2 – ADVOCATE: Our Unwavering Voice for Health and Nursing
Day 2 focused on advocacy, leadership, and policy development.
Gov. Jannice Ann Bunsoy, PNA Treasurer, and Leonardo Matunding, President of PNA Davao Chapter, welcomed participants to a day devoted to advancing nurses’ voices in shaping health policy and welfare.
Highlighted plenary sessions included:
- “Nurses as Champions of Health Policy: Advocating for Universal Health Care” by Usec. Farwa Hombre, Department of Health.
- “Hataw, Sigla at Teknolohiya: Nurse-led Innovation Projects for Healthier Communities” by Dr. Michael Joseph Diño, Our Lady of Fatima University.
- “Promoting Health Equity: Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Practice” by Dr. Roger Tong-an, House of Representatives.
- “Empowering Nurses as Agents of Change” by Dr. Linell Malimbag, Metro Davao Medical and Research Center.
The day concluded with a Panel Discussion on Best Practices in Advocating for Nurses’ Rights and Welfare, addressing burnout, workplace safety, and the importance of supportive health environments.
Day 2 reaffirmed nurses’ essential role as advocates for equitable, accessible, and inclusive healthcare systems.
DAY 3 – TRANSFORM: Redefining Our Role
The final day focused on transformation and redefining nursing’s global and entrepreneurial role in health systems.
Gov. Ingrid Yap and Gov. Sharon Dimatulac opened the morning session, followed by Gov. Megeve Sumampong’splenary on “Nurses as Healthpreneurs: Leading Sustainable Businesses that Address Health Inequities.”
Subsequent discussions included:
- “Transforming Nursing Education for Global Cultural Competence and Relevance” by Dr. Mark Ryan Contaoi, Sultan Kudarat State University.
- President’s and Treasurer’s Reports, presented by Gov. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte and Gov. Jannice Ann Bunsoy, respectively.
- Presentation of newly elected Board of Governors, COMELEC Commissioners, and recognition of outgoing officers and accredited chapters.
Gov. Roy Cresencio Linao Jr., Overall Chairperson, delivered the closing message, emphasizing unity and forward momentum for the nursing profession.
Day 3 celebrated transformation—not only in practice but also in mindset—encouraging nurses to redefine leadership and service through innovation and entrepreneurship.
UC CON’s Continuing Commitment
UC CON’s participation in this national gathering reflects its steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and leadership in nursing education.
The convention provided meaningful insights that UC CON faculty aim to integrate into classroom instruction, research, and community engagement, further empowering student nurses to become compassionate, innovative, and socially responsible healthcare professionals.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Alignment
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
- Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
Plenary sessions on health equity, advocacy, and community innovation reflect nursing’s role in advancing equitable health outcomes. - Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services.
Nurses’ policy advocacy supports health system strengthening for communities nationwide. - Target 3.C: Increase the health workforce through training and capacity-building.
The convention provided continuing education to enhance competencies in leadership, technology, and evidence-based care.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
- Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality tertiary and continuing education.
The event expanded professional learning opportunities for nurses across regions. - Target 4.4: Increase the number of adults with relevant skills for employment and professional growth.
Sessions promoted digital literacy, leadership, and research capacity among Filipino nurses.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
- Target 17.16: Enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize knowledge and expertise.
The collaboration among PNA, government agencies, academic institutions, and global partners exemplified synergy in advancing nursing practice. - Target 17.17: Encourage effective public, private, and civil-society partnerships.
Partnerships forged during the event reinforced sustainable networks for healthcare improvement and professional development.
