Baguio City, Philippines – April 28–29, 2026 — Faculty members from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (UC-CONAHS) actively participated in the 4th National Convention and General Assembly held at Hotel Supreme, Baguio City. The delegation was led by Dean Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, together with Level II Coordinator Mrs. Nasper P. Anod, and faculty members Mrs. Karen M. Soliba and Mr. Ferdinand C. Tercero. The two-day convention gathered public health nursing leaders, educators, and practitioners nationwide to discuss advancements, challenges, and future directions in community and public health nursing .
Day 1 of the convention featured a keynote address by Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, who emphasized the vital role of public health nurses as frontliners of change. Plenary Session 1 was delivered by Hon. Josefina A. Tuazon, focusing on mapping advanced practice nursing in today’s community health landscape. Plenary Session 2 highlighted both practice and academic perspectives through Pamela P. Oli and Earl Francis R. Sumile, emphasizing how public health nurses deliver primary care services in communities.
A panel discussion on the role of nurses in shaping public health policy featured insights from Jude L. Tayaben, Janet C. Quiatson, and Fauzzudin U. Sarani. Plenary Session 3, delivered by Abegail Jayne S. Amoranto, discussed leveraging technology and data for smarter public health action. The day concluded with Plenary Session 4 featuring Luz Barbara P. Dones and John Joseph B. Posadas, who shared empowering narratives of public health nurses leading change.
Day 2 highlighted research, community engagement, and leadership in public health nursing. Research oral presentations opened the day, followed by Plenary Session 5 on community engagement delivered by Raymond John S. Naguit. A panel discussion featuring Jeremiah Carlo V. Alejo, Winnie C. Dorego, and Maria Christine M. Lim further explored responsive strategies for community engagement.
Afternoon sessions focused on governance, leadership, and policy directions led by key figures including Frances Prescilla L. Cuevas, Cora A. Añonuevo, Peter James B. Abad, Erlinda C. Palaganas, and Melbert B. Reyes. Updates on the Philippine nursing sector were presented by Gian Carlo S. Torres, followed by the final synthesis and commitment led by Jose Marie C. Barcelo .
Participation in this national convention provided UC-CONAHS faculty with valuable insights into current trends, best practices, and policy directions in public health nursing. It strengthened their commitment to delivering quality nursing education and responsive community health services, while reinforcing the institution’s active contribution to national health discourse.
Beyond attendance, UC-CONAHS faculty also actively contributed to the success of the event through their participation in the registration and documentation committees, assisting in participant coordination, event flow, and overall convention operations.
Supporting the event’s documentation efforts, selected UC nursing students provided photo and documentation coverage throughout the convention. This initiative ensured proper documentation while offering students meaningful experiential learning opportunities in professional settings, further enhancing their skills beyond the classroom.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed
| SDG | Description | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Strengthens public health systems through faculty engagement in discussions on community health nursing, policy, and service delivery | 3.c.1 Health workforce development and training |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Enhances faculty competence and promotes experiential learning opportunities for students through participation in academic conventions | 4.7.1 Education for sustainable development and global citizenship |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Fosters collaboration among academic institutions, professional organizations, and health leaders nationwide | 17.17.1 Multi-stakeholder partnerships |
