Contributed by University of the Philippines College of Nursing

Fifty participants hailing from different regions of the Philippines completed the first ever hybrid course delivery of the Leadership Development Course for Public Health Nurses (LDC PHN), graduating on February 9, 2024 at the UP College of Nursing Auditorium. In attendance were UP College of Nursing (UPCN) Dean Sheila R. Bonito and officials of the College.

Dr. Cora D. Añonuevo, founding president of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc. (NAPHNI) delivered the keynote address, calling on the new Public Health Nurses (PHN) leaders to become “inspirations of change.”

Aside from the certificates given to the 50 course completers, six PHN leaders who first completed the course activities were awarded the “Health Building Blockbuster Award” for their sustained effort and diligence: Mary Jane V. Glori, Shayne Irish A. Tumanda, Geraldine S. Caceres, Letecia P. Caysoen, Novalyn S. Yee, and Dream Aizyl C. Reyes.

In addition, three PHN leaders who showed exceptional skill in writing and presenting their capstone project were also awarded the “Best in Capstone” plum: Maryhill M. Peña of Sta. Cruz Rural Health Unit Marinduque, third place; Kenneth Floyd G. Maramot of the City Health and Sanitation Department in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro in second place; and Uzi M. Malik of Barangay Health Station – Island City of Samal, Davao City in first place.

The LDC-PHN is a 4-week course which aims to provide public nurses with advanced competencies to effectively navigate and participate in all components of our health system which has recently transitioned towards achieving universal health care. This year’s Batch 5 held their opening ceremony last December 5, 2023, and officially started on January 15, 2024.