Text by: Ehcel S. Hurna
Photos by: Joseph A. Bautista
The University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association, Inc. (UPNAAI) spearheaded the recent “Balik-Turo 2024” as a highlight of the 76th Founding Anniversary celebration of the UP College of Nursing (UPCN) on April 12, 2024. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for the alumni to reconnect with peers and mentors, sharing wisdom and inspiration with current nursing students.
Transformational Leadership
In the event, Irene Batalla-Reyes discussed “Transformational Leadership: A Lifelong Journey” and shared her experience as a military nurse at the Philippine Air Force and later, at the United States Army. She emphasized the importance of focusing on personal goals, noting that doing so can greatly assist in overcoming challenges and adversities.
“You have to make a discernment. Ano ba talaga ang gusto mo? You have to start with that one because once you’ve got that in your mind while ang paa mo nakatapak sa lupa, everything will go in place,” Batalla-Reyes shared.
Wilhelmina Ungco enjoined fellow nurses to become leaders in her discussion titled, “Early Progressive Mobilization.”
“You all are called to be transformational leaders. As one of my mentors said, ‘By improving the knowledge and skills of an RN (registered nurse), the nurse increases their personal power to advance the profession of nursing and positively impact patient outcomes,” Ungco said.
Lastly, Lourdes Hotchkiss discussed “How A Maternity Ward Brought Back Compassion thru Caring Science.” She urged fellow nurses to uphold their exceptional skills and maintain a reputation at par with UPCN’s standards.
“In whatever you do, I would tell you, madaling makita ang taga-UP. Sa lahat ng pinuntahan ko, I was at Stanford for a long time, kakaunti ang nakita kong nag-rise up na Filipino nurses and I can pinpoint kung saan sila galing – taga-UP. Kaya kahit saan kayo pumunta, huwag niyong kalilimutan kung saan kayo nanggaling,” Hotchkiss said.
Support and Grants for Students
In addition to the lectures, nursing students were also granted financial assistance from UPNAA Texas and UPCN 1989. Moreover, UP Nurses of the East Coast (UPN-EC), in partnership with UPNAA Texas, extended financial grants to students Erica Ann Palermo, Rachelle Joy Cabugsa, Patricia Joy Antonette Ortiz, Joyce Lacbayen, and Andrea Khaye Gutierrez. Also, 10 stethoscopes were given away via a raffle draw sponsored by UPCN Batch 1968. ■
