Level III Nursing students from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences participated in the P.U.S.O. Free Community Medical Mission held on May 13, 2026, at Barangay Hillside, Baguio City in partnership with the Hillside Seniors Organization led by Ma’am Jeannette Ribaya Cawiding and with the support of the Hillside Barangay Council.
As part of the outreach activity, the nursing students rendered healthcare services through vital signs taking, medication disbursement, health education sessions, and assistance to medical professionals during consultations and patient care activities. The students were accompanied by UC CONAHS faculty members Mr. Virgilio Nabus and Mr. Denzel Alalag.
The medical mission gathered healthcare professionals, organizations, local government officials, and academic institutions committed to promoting accessible healthcare services within the community. Participating volunteers and partners included Dra. Ma Reylita Cubillas-Calimlim, M.D., Dr. Leio Calimlim, M.D., Dra. Divina Palaganas, M.D., Dra. Micaela Defiesta, M.D., Dra. Nancy Meneses Caramat, Optometrist, the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians – Baguio-Benguet, Philippine Medical Women’s Association – Baguio-Benguet, Saint Louis University College of Medicine, Pines City Colleges College of Pharmacy, and the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing.
The outreach initiative was likewise supported by Councilor Atty. Elmer O. Datuin of the Committee on Health, Councilor Atty. Paolo Salvosa, and Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda of the Committee on Social Works. Free haircut services were also provided to community members during the activity.
The participation of UC CONAHS nursing students in community-based healthcare initiatives highlights the institution’s commitment to service learning, community engagement, and the development of future healthcare professionals who are responsive to the needs of the community. Through hands-on exposure in outreach programs, students are able to apply nursing competencies while promoting health awareness and accessible healthcare services among community residents.
Photos courtesy of Paltiing United Seniors Organization (P.U.S.O.)
| Sustainable Development Goal | SDG Indicators |
|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.7 Ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable lifestyles and promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3 Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships |
