19 Years of Light and Legacy: CCDC Nursing’s Ceremonial Tribute

The CHE Department of Nursing celebrated its 19th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies with the theme, “Knowledge and Compassion, Courage and Grace: A Nurse’s Duty We Now Embrace,” held on September 24, 2025, at CCDC Tupay-ya Complex, Buyagan, Poblacion, La Trinidad, Benguet. The event, attended by about 1,200 students, faculty, staff, and parents, also reflected the department’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and strong partnerships (SDG 17).

The celebration began with a Holy Mass led by Fr. Roland Ablaza Jr., who inspired the students by reminding them of the noble and caring nature of the nursing profession while also connecting it with the feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Atty. Abigail T. Bersamin, Vice President for Academics, graced the program and welcomed the audience in her welcome message. Ms. Glaiza Patt M. Tawali–Amado, the Level II Adviser, presented the 314 candidates, who were officially confirmed as student nurses by Ms. Marivel D. Muñoz, the CHE Dean.

The faculty portrayed Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp, and lit the Mother Lamp. The student nurses then received their caps, pins, and lamps. The nurses’ cap for female student nurses stands for knowledge, discipline, and compassion, reminding them of the noble women who shaped nursing. The nurses’ pin for male student nurses shows their official acceptance into the nursing profession and their commitment to give care with dedication and respect. The lamp, inspired by Florence Nightingale, is a symbol of light, hope, and service—reminding every nurse to care with courage and compassion.

In this year’s ceremonies, Mr. Joselito M. Datud, the Chief Nurse of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, CHE’s first partner and base hospital, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring talk as the guest speaker. Through his talk and presentation, he showed what student nurses experience in the hospital—the challenges as well as the rewards of caring for patients. The parents were deeply moved by his presentation, particularly his reflections on their children’s experiences in the hospital, as he discussed the difficulties involved in caring for patients in pain and the significance of providing support to those in their care. He also mentioned the emotional burden that comes with helping patients who were not able to survive.

In her closing remarks, Dean Muñoz emphasized to the student nurses that the cap, pin, and lamp are more than mere decorations; they are powerful symbols of their true calling. She urged them to serve with knowledge, compassion, courage, and dedication. She encouraged the students to wear these symbols with pride and to let them be a constant reminder of the noble path they have chosen. Dean Muñoz also sincerely thanked the parents and guardians for trusting the department with their children’s nursing journey, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering support.

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