Advancing equity, justice, and integrity in public health nursing education and practice
Faculty members of the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC-CONAHS) participated in the First Erlinda Castro Palaganas (ECP) Lecture Series for Public Health, held on December 18, 2025 at Beneco Hall, Baguio City. The lecture series served as a landmark academic gathering that emphasized public health nursing’s critical role in addressing health inequities, promoting social justice, and strengthening population-based care.
The lecture series honored Dr. Erlinda Castro Palaganas, a distinguished public health nurse, educator, and researcher, whose lifelong contributions to public health nursing, research, and professional leadership have shaped nursing education and practice in the Philippines. The theme, “Caring at the Margins: Equity, Justice, and the Future of Public Health Nursing,” framed the discussions around ethical leadership, inclusive health systems, and the social determinants of health.
Highlighting the morning plenary was the inaugural lecture delivered by Dr. Cora de los Angeles‑Anonuevo, founding president of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc.. Her lecture, “Caring with Integrity: Public Health Nursing and the Struggle for Equity and Justice,” underscored the moral and professional responsibility of public health nurses to uphold integrity while confronting systemic inequities and advocating for marginalized populations. A luminary reflection was subsequently provided by Dr. Carmelita C. Divinagracia, offering insights from a nursing leadership perspective.
The multisectoral dimension of public health nursing was further enriched through reactor responses from leaders in policy, academe, and service. Among the reactors was Pamela Badongen Patal‑e Oli, who presented a policy and service perspective on equity-oriented public health practice. Other reactors included Dean Betty F. Merritt (Policy, Academe, Service), Mr. Kevin L. De Vera (Service), and Ms. Carmen C. Bolinto (Academe), highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of public health nursing leadership.
The afternoon scholarly updates focused on contemporary public health priorities. Ms. Geeny Anne A. Austria, Nurse V from DOH-CAR, discussed Universal Health Care and the Call for Transparency, while John Joseph B. Posadas, Assistant Professor at UP Manila College of Nursing, delivered an evidence-based lecture on Cultural Responsiveness and Evidence-Based Public Health Nursing Practice. Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, outgoing Governor of PNA-CAR, also presented on Leadership, Integrity, and the ECP Legacy, reinforcing ethical leadership in public health nursing. A values-focused workshop on personal commitment to equity and integrity further translated theory into reflective public health practice.
The lecture series concluded with a response from Dr. Erlinda C. Palaganas, reaffirming the enduring challenge for public health nurses to lead with courage, compassion, and justice. The event was attended by Frances Prescilla Cuevas, NAPHNI President, former members of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, and leaders of partner organizations, including the Philippine Nurses Association Baguio City Chapter, Philippine Nurses Association Zone 3, and the Philippine Nurses Association Cordillera Administrative Region.
Participation of UC-CONAHS faculty in the ECP Lecture Series reflects the College’s sustained commitment to public health education, research engagement, and values-driven leadership. Through continued involvement in national scholarly platforms, UC-CONAHS strengthens its role in preparing nurses who are socially accountable, equity-oriented, and responsive to the evolving public health needs of communities.
SDG Alignment
| SDG | Indicator | Description of Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being | 3.8 | Strengthens public health nursing leadership and knowledge supporting equitable, population-based health services. |
| SDG 4 – Quality Education | 4.7 | Advances values-based education emphasizing equity, justice, ethics, and social responsibility in nursing. |
| SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 | Promotes advocacy for marginalized populations through equity-focused public health nursing discourse. |
| SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16 | Reinforces collaboration among professional nursing organizations and academic institutions for public health advancement. |
