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Text by Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit
Former UP President Emil Q. Javier receives a plaque of appreciation as keynote speaker at the UP College of Nursing’s 77th Founding Anniversary, held on Apr. 7, 2024, at the UPCN Auditorium, Sotejo Hall.
The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Nursing (CN) marked its 77th Founding Anniversary With the theme “Shaping the Future of Nursing,” on Apr. 7, 2024, at the CN Auditorium, Sotejo Hall. The theme reflects CN’s shared commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovation in nursing education, research, service, and policy.
In her welcome message, CN Dean Sheila Bonito emphasized the College’s enduring impact on the profession. “UPCN continues to trailblaze nursing education programs, setting the standards and acting as a change agent in serving the needs of the Filipino people and also providing leadership and excellence in nursing development,” she said.
Chancellor Michael Tee recognized CN for its 77 years of developing the nursing profession in the country. He remarked on the college’s continued recognition as a center of excellence by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and underscored that over the years, CN played a significant role in regulating the nursing profession, and that many alumni assumed roles as leaders and authorities in the nursing profession.
With the continued rise of nursing schools in the country, the Chancellor sensed the urgency to strengthen the quality of teaching through appropriately educated faculty. This was what prompted the collaborative effort to develop the Master of Nursing Education program.
According to him, the program came to realization through the cooperative efforts of CHED, the Technical Panel on Nursing Education, and the College of Nursing, and was reviewed by 17 other exemplary nursing colleges in the region.
The purpose of the program is to generate a new cadre of nurse educators through their academic work and experiences in the profession. Chancellor Tee discussed that students of this program can receive development credits for their advanced training in a specialization area (ICU, geriatrics, etc.) They can earn academic units based on their years of service, allowing them to complete the master’s degree more efficiently. The program will be available through online learning options through the UP Open University.
He added that the College’s impact extends beyond education. Its faculty and students are now publishing in reputable international journals, contributing to the body of global nursing research. Partnerships with industry stakeholders also reflect the high regard for the College of Nursing within the healthcare sector.
“Lahat ng ito ay magaganap lamang kung katulad po ng inyong presensya ngayon ay mararamdaman ng patuloy ang ating kolehiyo—ang inyong presensya sa mga programa, sa pagpuna at pagtingin kung papaano dapat ayusin ang ating kolehiyo, lalo pa ang ating nais is to shape the future of nursing. Ang inyo pong experience at ang kanilang ginagawa ngayon, pag nagsanib, ay lalo pang magiging dahilan upang mapag-igting natin ang ating serbisyo sa ating bayan,”
said Chancellor Tee, emphasizing the importance of alumni engagement in strengthening the institution’s future.
In his message, former UP President Emil Q. Javier also offered his message of support and vision during the celebration. He emphasized the university’s responsibility to train not only top-tier professionals but also future leaders.
“We produce the best of class in our respective fields. I’m sure that’s the same claim of the College of Nursing. But the idea is, we should really mold and train our graduates to become leaders, executives, managers, and so on—in addition to being the best of class in these specializations. Because after all, this is what all UP alumni ought to be.”
He also highlighted the global context of the nursing profession, noting the growing international demand for Filipino nurses amid aging populations in countries like Japan, North America, and Europe, and forecasted that the demand for nurses from the Philippines will be tenfold in the coming years. He stated what CN should do to prepare our country and those 500 nursing schools to meet these huge demands.
“We have to prepare the hundreds of schools of nurses to meet this challenge,” Javier challenged.
During the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to CN partners in recognition of their continued support and collaboration. These include:
The college also recognized its dedicated faculty and staff for their years of service and unwavering passion in advancing the mission of the College.
Years of Service:
CN also honored its former Dean Josefina Tuazon, who is also a current member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing and newly conferred professor emeritus, for her exceptional contributions as an educator, researcher, and leader in the nursing profession. Her enduring service and leadership continues to inspire CN.
As CN celebrates more than seven decades of transformative education, the anniversary serves as a reminder of its pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to uplifting nursing in the Philippines and beyond.#
