Nabua, Camarines Sur — July 9, 2025 — In a significant milestone for faculty development and academic advancement, 30 faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) have successfully earned their Master in Nursing Education (MNE) degrees from Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). The graduation ceremony, held at the CSPC campus in Nabua, Camarines Sur, was attended by many of the graduates who traveled from Baguio City to celebrate the achievement in person.
The Master in Nursing Education (MNE) program is designed to prepare nurse educators to become more effective, student-centered, and future-ready. The curriculum emphasizes advanced teaching and learning strategies, classroom and clinical instruction, curriculum development, student evaluation, and instructional leadership. It aims to equip nurse educators with the necessary competencies to improve the quality of nursing education across diverse learning environments.
Although CSPC is based in Camarines Sur, the program was delivered in Baguio City through a hybrid setup, combining face-to-face sessions and online learning platforms. Professors from CSPC traveled to Baguio to conduct in-person lectures, while virtual tools supported continuous academic interaction and flexibility. This setup enabled UC-CON faculty to pursue graduate studies while fulfilling their full-time teaching responsibilities, ensuring that their academic growth did not disrupt their service to students and the community.
Completing the program required unwavering dedication. Faculty members balanced their professional duties—including teaching, clinical supervision, and community health engagements—while attending classes and completing academic requirements. Many spent evenings and weekends working on reports and instructional projects, demonstrating remarkable commitment and time management.
Several graduates were recognized with Academic Excellence Awards, affirming their strong performance and leadership in the field of education. Their collective achievement not only enhances the instructional capabilities of the College of Nursing but also reinforces the University’s commitment to advancing the quality of healthcare education.
The following faculty members completed the MNE program:
- Leah Alubia, RN, MNE
- Shekaina Kate Badecao, RN, MNE
- Lily Christy Baludda, RN, MNE
- Joy Batiil, RN, MNE
- Karren Joy Benawe, RN, MNE
- Charmaine Bugtong, RN, MNE
- Asela Zoe Caasi, RN, MNE
- Jayln A. Caberos, RN, MNE
- Wilbur Comafay, RN, MNE
- Jovilyn Dolosa, RN, MNE
- Janelle Egino, RN, MNE
- Lily Focasan, RN, MNE
- Luvimmine Fontanilla, RN, MNE
- Elirita Graile Juan, RN, MNE
- Judelyn Kingay, RN, MNE
- Rhea Lumiqued, RN, MNE
- Janet Matchoc, RN, MNE
- Sonia Olnanigon, RN, MNE
- Julie Padilla, RN, MNE
- Julie Paoay, RN, MNE
- Imelda Payas, RN, MNE
- Florence Piayas, RN, MNE
- Gomer Ponso, RN, MNE
- Ronsal Rivera, RN, MAN, MNE
- Lorelie Saldaen, RN, MNE
- Pinky Sao-an, RN, MNE
- Heston Sial, RN, MNE
- Trisha Tan, RN, MNE
- Ferdinand C. Tercero, RN, MAN, MNE
- Jennelyn Tobay, RN, MNE
- Demybhelle B. Visaya, RN, MNE
This academic achievement aligns with key global goals—Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). By strengthening the knowledge and teaching capacity of nurse educators, the program contributes to improved health outcomes through better-trained nurses and elevates the standards of nursing education in the country. It also supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing the qualifications, career mobility, and leadership potential of healthcare educators in the academic workforce.
The journey of these 30 educators is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, institutional support, and a shared commitment to excellence in nursing education.
