Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Joseph A. Bautista
University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing (UPCN) students proudly celebrated their achievements during the recognition ceremony.
“Ang UP Manila ay nagbigay sa inyo ng tamang compass, ang moral compass na ito – Honor, Excellence, and Service. Kayo ay magsisilbi ng buong husay at dangal sa bawat Pilipinong nangangailangan. Bilang inyong Chancellor, ako’y nasisiyahan dahil nakapag-ambag na naman ang UP Manila ng magagaling na nurses sa ating bayan,” said Chancellor Michael L. Tee commending the graduates for embodying the values of Honor, Excellence, and Service during the University of the Philippines College of Nursing’s (UPCN) 2024 Recognition Day. The event, themed “ODISSEYA – Wakas ng Isa, Tungo sa Pag-unlad,” was held at the UP Manila College of Nursing Auditorium on July 22, 2024.
Former Vice President of the Philippines and current President of Angat Buhay NGO, Atty. Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo, served as the keynote speaker. Atty. Robredo highlighted the critical role nurses play in the healthcare system and urged graduates to uphold the UP values of honor, excellence, and service. “We know you have high aspirations for your future. Excellent as you are, we root for your successes and for the fulfillment of your dreams. But we also trust that, in working towards your dreams, you will never forget the significance of a UP education, living with honor and excellence for every Filipino, every single day,” she said. She continued, “Bilang bagong henerasyon ng mga IskoNars, walang duda na ilalaan ninyo sa atas na ito ang inyong buong husay at lakas. Kaakibat ng inyong edukasyon ang responsibilidad sa ating mga kapwa mamamayan. Alam namin na susuklian ninyo ang kanilang kabutihang loob ng tapat na paglilingkod. Inihanda kayo ng UP para sa habang buhay na tungkuling ito. Alam kong hindi ninyo bibiguin ang sambayanan.”
Dean Shiela Bonito emphasized the role of UP Manila as a premier training ground for skilled healthcare workers and the nursing college as a key developer of leaders committed to quality care.
“Ang nais ko lang ay alalahanin ninyo na sa buong panahon ninyo sa kolehiyo, kayo ay naging mas malakas, mas matalino, at may mas kakayahan. Handa kayong tahakin ang anumang landas tungo sa pangangalaga ng sambayanan. Humayo kayo at itanghal ang tatak UP Nars: maalaga, matalino, at may puso. Padayon, mga IskoNars ng bayan!” Dean Bonito concluded.
Honoring Academic Excellence
The Recognition Day celebrated the academic achievements of students across various degree levels. Special awards were presented to outstanding graduates, including:
“Putting people at the core of our actions is what it means to go above and beyond,” said Angelie May Garcia Mancenido, Class Valedictorian, in her speech. She shared that going above and beyond doesn’t necessarily mean aiming for greater heights or striving for perfection, honors, or even being valedictorian. Instead, she believes it means striving for depth.
Several institutions were also recognized for their support, including the Philippine General Hospital – Department of Nursing Services, Manila Health Department, and the National Center for Mental Health.
A Look Back and Forward
Class representative Mary Adrinne D. Abejo gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on the journey of the Class of 2024. The event concluded with a performance by the UP Nursing Artist Corps, celebrating the graduates with a moment of unity and joy.
As the new graduates embark on their professional paths, UPCN remains dedicated to fostering their growth and development as future leaders in healthcare. “Nursing is not a profession; it’s an advocacy. Advocacy is to always do what is right and to help lives be better,” said Cecilyn G. Faylona, MHA, RN, President of RNUPNAAI, during the appointment of new members.Professor Efrellyn A. Iellamo emphasized the importance of keeping promises, noting, “Ang pagtupad sa pangako ay nagpapakita ng matibay na integridad at dedikasyon.”
She expressed her pride in the graduates and praised their unity and care for each other. “As nurses, we are truly the lifeblood of our healthcare institutions. It is with great responsibility that we carry out our duties. May we strive to be the most compassionate, competent, and holistically empowered nurses.”
