April 28–29, 2025 – Iloilo City — Faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) joined public health nursing leaders from across the country at the 3rd General Assembly and National Convention of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc. (NAPHNI), held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Representing UC CON were Mrs. Nasper P. Anod, MAN, RN, Level II Coordinator, and Mr. Gomer Ponso, RN, faculty member. Their active participation in this prestigious event reinforced UC CON’s dedication to staying at the forefront of public health nursing education and practice.
This year’s convention, themed “Advancing Public Health Nursing in the Philippines,” was a two-day continuing professional development program designed to empower public health nurses through expert-led plenary sessions, panel discussions, research presentations, and strategic dialogues. The event aimed to elevate public health nursing competencies to Level 7 standards while fostering innovation, leadership, and collaboration within the profession.
Day 1: Elevating the Practice of Public Health Nursing
The convention opened with welcome messages from national nursing leaders and a keynote presentation on advanced practice in public health nursing, emphasizing the evolution of competencies aligned with Level 7 standards. Throughout the day, participants engaged in plenary sessions focused on strengthening nursing leadership, integrating research into community health initiatives, and enhancing mentorship for novice nurses.
Mrs. Anod and Mr. Ponso attended discussions that explored the precision and reach of public health nursing interventions and the transformative role of nurses in shaping population health outcomes. The first day concluded with networking opportunities, where participants shared best practices and strategies across various regions and sectors.
Day 2: Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy in Action
The second day of the convention focused on policy advocacy, strategic leadership, and innovation in public health nursing. Interactive panel discussions allowed participants to engage with real-world perspectives from practitioners and leaders driving public health transformation. A research poster session also showcased initiatives that push the boundaries of traditional community health nursing.
Mrs. Anod and Mr. Ponso expressed appreciation for the insights gained, particularly in areas relevant to curriculum enhancement, fieldwork integration, and community engagement within the UC CON academic framework. They also gained inspiration from public health initiatives led by local and national nurses, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based practice and advocacy in their teaching.
Organized by NAPHNI, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila – College of Nursing, a WHO Collaborating Center for Leadership in Nursing Development, the event brought together nurse educators, government health workers, and public health advocates from all over the Philippines.
By attending this national convention, UC CON faculty further enriched their capacity to guide and mentor future nurses in addressing real-world public health challenges — echoing the College’s mission to produce compassionate, competent, and community-centered nursing professionals.
