Female student nurses to provide structured care for elderly religious sisters under new MOA
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC CONAHS) formally entered into a meaningful partnership with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on January 16, 2026, aimed at strengthening elderly care services for the congregation’s aging religious sisters.
The MOA was signed by Sr. Esberth N. Pugong, SIHM, Superior General of the congregation, signifying SIHM’s commitment to holistic and dignified care for its elderly members. The University of the Cordilleras was represented by Level III Coordinator Dr. Sheila Maria G. Batoon and faculty member Humbeline F. Sokkong, underscoring UC CONAHS’ dedication to community-responsive and values-driven nursing education.
Under the agreement, female student nurses from UC CONAHS will be given the opportunity to engage in structured elderly care activities, providing health assessment, basic nursing care, health education, and psychosocial support to elderly nuns residing within the SIHM institution. The partnership ensures that student exposure is both gender-appropriate and culturally sensitive, while adhering to ethical and professional nursing standards.
Founded in Baguio City in 1952, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a religious congregation devoted to education, pastoral ministry, evangelization, and service to the sick and vulnerable. The SIHM community has long been recognized for its commitment to faith formation and compassionate service, making this collaboration a natural alignment of mission between the congregation and UC CONAHS.
This partnership not only enhances clinical and community-based learning for nursing students but also affirms the shared values of compassion, service, dignity, and respect for the elderly. Through this initiative, UC CONAHS continues to strengthen its role in producing socially accountable nurses while contributing meaningfully to the care of aging populations within faith-based communities.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Supported
| SDG | SDG Targets / Indicators | Contribution of the Activity |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being | 3.4 – Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being | Provides holistic nursing care, health monitoring, and psychosocial support for elderly religious sisters |
| 3.8 – Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services | Ensures continuous, accessible, and dignified elderly care within a faith-based community setting | |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4 – Increase the number of youth with relevant technical and professional skills | Enhances students’ geriatric nursing competencies through supervised, real-world clinical exposure |
| 4.7 – Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development | Integrates values-based, ethical, and compassionate care in nursing education | |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 – Empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age | Addresses the needs of an often-overlooked aging population through inclusive healthcare interventions |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17 – Encourage effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships | Strengthens academic–faith-based collaboration to deliver sustainable elderly care services |
