Championing Excellence in Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Care
November 28–29, 2024 – Manila Hotel, Intramuros, Manila. Faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) took active roles at the 41st Founding Anniversary and Annual Convention of the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MCNAP). This year’s convention, themed “Moving Forward 2030: Championing Our Cause—Nurse Specialist Practitioner for Better Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Care Globally,” gathered leading nursing professionals and educators from across the Philippines to advance maternal and child health care practice.
UC-CON Faculty Leadership and Representation
Mrs. Judith Layao, UC-CON faculty member and Secretary of the MCNAP Baguio-Benguet Chapter, played a crucial role in organizing the chapter’s contributions, underscoring UC-CON’s leadership in maternal and child health nursing. Dr. Jude Tayaben, UC-CON faculty member and Chapter President, led the Baguio-Benguet delegation, representing the experiences and innovations of Northern Luzon.
UC-CON was the only academic institution from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to participate in the national convention—an accomplishment that highlights the college’s commitment to excellence and its active role in elevating maternal and child nursing standards.
The delegation also included Mrs. Nasper Anod (Level II Coordinator), Mrs. Josephine Minger (Level III Coordinator), and Mrs. Agnes Baniwas (Faculty Member), all of whom actively participated in key sessions and professional discussions.
Key Sessions and Discussions
The convention featured sessions on vital topics, including the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), management of Neonatal Critical Cyanotic Congenital Heart Diseases, and emerging Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Issues. Faculty members also joined panel discussions on clinical practice, ethics, and curriculum updates led by PRC-BON, CHED, and PNA representatives, fostering alignment with current national nursing standards.
UC-CON’s Role in Advancing Nursing Education
UC-CON’s active participation reflected its dedication to nursing education and professional development that meets both national and global healthcare standards. Faculty members gained new insights into advanced maternal and neonatal care, innovative teaching strategies, and evidence-based practices—knowledge they will integrate into UC-CON’s curriculum and clinical instruction.
A Step Toward Global Standards
The convention provided opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among nursing educators and practitioners nationwide. Through the leadership of Dr. Tayaben and Mrs. Layao, UC-CON reaffirmed its mission to prepare competent, compassionate, and globally competitive nurses committed to improving maternal, neonatal, and child health outcomes.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This activity supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3.1 – Reduce the global maternal mortality ratio.
By advancing maternal and child health practices, UC-CON contributes to the promotion of safer pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. - SDG 3.2 – End preventable deaths of newborns and children under five.
Faculty participation in neonatal and pediatric sessions reinforces life-saving care competencies for vulnerable populations. - SDG 4.4 – Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment and decent work.
Faculty development initiatives strengthen instructional quality and ensure nursing graduates possess advanced clinical competencies. - SDG 5.6 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
The discussions promoted equitable maternal health care and respect for women’s reproductive rights in all healthcare settings. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public–private, and civil-society partnerships.
Collaboration between UC-CON, MCNAP, CHED, and DOH highlights the value of inter-institutional partnerships in nursing education and practice.
