In the middle of a busy morning along Session Road, two nursing students from the University of the Cordilleras – College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC-CONAHS) found themselves facing a real-life situation that called not just for knowledge, but for courage and compassion.
On April 8, 2026, at around 9:30 AM, John Nielson G. Baling-oay, a Level 3 nursing student, together with his classmate Maria Rose Chimicag, encountered a man visibly in distress near the Post Office. The man, believed to be around 30 to 40 years old, appeared weak, in pain, and struggling to breathe. He was unable to speak, and there was no identification to help determine who he was.
Despite the uncertainty, the two students did not hesitate.
Drawing from their training, they focused first on helping the man feel safer and more at ease. They stayed with him, making sure he was positioned comfortably so he could breathe better, while keeping the surroundings as calm as possible despite the busy street. When they noticed an issue with his urine bag, they took initiative to address it, preventing further discomfort.
At the same time, they immediately sought additional help by contacting emergency responders. While waiting, they remained by the man’s side, offering reassurance and guiding him through simple breathing techniques to help ease his condition.
More than anything, what stood out was their decision to stay—to not walk away, but instead to be present for someone in need, even in an unfamiliar and unpredictable situation.
Their actions serve as a reminder that nursing goes beyond hospital walls. It lives in everyday moments, in public spaces, and in the willingness to help even when no one is watching.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed
| SDG | Indicator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8.1 | Supporting access to immediate care and promoting health in emergency situations. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4.1 | Showcasing the real-world application of skills learned in nursing education. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5.1 | Contributing to safer and more responsive communities through citizen action. |
