Advancing national collaboration and healthcare excellence through impactful initiatives
The University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing (UC-CON) demonstrated its commitment to national healthcare advancement, professional growth, and student empowerment through key engagements and partnerships in 2024. These initiatives strengthened UC-CON’s visibility and influence at the national level, reinforcing its mission of producing competent, compassionate, and community-responsive nursing professionals.
On October 11, 2024, UC-CON participated in the 22nd Battle of the Nightingales – NCR Cluster held at the GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Organized by the Cardinal Santos Medical Center – Nursing Service Education and Training Office, this nationwide academic competition gathered top nursing schools across the country. As featured on the UC-CON website, the College was represented by Level 4 delegates Zwiesel Fie Gawi, Chrisphine Adelle Pineda, and Iola Velasco, under the mentorship of Ms. Vanessa Joy Gasat, supported by former national champions John Dave Abran, Clyde Pinkihan, and Kayzee Oviedo. Their participation showcased UC-CON’s pursuit of academic excellence and advocacy for a culture of competitive learning among aspiring Filipino nurses.
Further strengthening its national health advocacy efforts, UC-CON conducted a successful Blood Donation Drive on October 28, 2024, in collaboration with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) Blood Bank. The event was attended by medical professionals from BGHMC and made possible through the assistance of UC-CON student volunteers who facilitated vital signs taking, physical assessments, interviews, and screening of donors. The activity fostered a spirit of volunteerism and service while contributing to the country’s need for accessible blood supply for life-saving interventions.
Promoting reproductive health education and youth empowerment, UC-CON, through the UC Youth and Adolescents Sexuality and Reproductive Health Hub (UYAHH) and the UC College of Nursing Student Council, organized the seminar “Empowerment Through Options: A Guide to Contraceptives” on October 15, 2024, at the UC Auditorium. Conducted in partnership with the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), Balay Marvi by LoveYourself, and other national-level advocates, the event aimed to raise awareness on reproductive health choices among students. Guest speakers highlighted the role of contraceptives in preventing HIV and sexually transmitted infections, addressed misconceptions surrounding reproductive health, and promoted accessible support services for adolescents and young adults.
These UC-CON initiatives underscore the institution’s active role in nationwide learning and health advocacy. Through collaborative partnerships, academic enrichment, and student-led initiatives, UC-CON continues to contribute to the development of a knowledgeable, socially aware, and service-driven nursing workforce in the Philippines.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Covered:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Indicator 3.c
Promotes a strengthened and well-trained healthcare workforce through national health programs, donation drives, and reproductive health advocacy. - SDG 4: Quality Education – Indicator 4.4
Enhances skills, competencies, and holistic development of learners through academic competitions and capacity-building activities. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Indicator 17.17
Fosters multi-sector collaboration with national partners to advance shared health and educational goals.
References
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, October 11). UC College of Nursing participates in the 22nd Battle of the Nightingales – NCR Cluster. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/11/uc-college-of-nursing-participates-in-the-22nd-battle-of-the-nightingales/
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, October 28). UC-CON conducts blood donation drive.Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/28/uc-con-conducts-blood-donation-drive/
University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing. (2024, October 15). Empowerment through options: A guide to contraceptives. Retrieved from https://con.uc-bcf.edu.ph/2024/10/15/empowerment-through-options-a-guide-to-contraceptives/
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.https://sdgs.un.org/goals
