The University of Northern Philippines – College of Health Sciences (UNP-CHS) reaffirmed its position as one of the country’s leading institutions for midwifery education, following an impressive performance in the April 2025 Midwifery Licensure Examination. The college was recognized in two major national events, one held in Baguio City and the other in Manila, for its outstanding licensure results and its top-ranking graduates.
On May 8, 2025, the University proudly took part in the 20th Oathtaking Ceremonies of New Midwives held in Baguio City, where it celebrated the success of 40 newly licensed midwives. With a noteworthy institutional passing rate of 97.56%, UNP was honored among high-performing schools and lauded for producing one national and seven regional topnotchers.
Leading the list of awardees was Ms. Sheila Jane Doles, who placed Top 5 nationwide and Top 4 regionally. She was joined by other regional topnotchers:
- Ms. Karylle Reballos (Top 10),
- Mr. Jonnel Ponce (Top 14),
- Ms. Lara Jane Barrientos and Mr. Mar A. Castillo III (Top 15),
- Ms. Diana Raposas (Top 16),
- Ms. Chrisma Athena D. Abboc (Top 19).
The Baguio ceremony, attended by faculty, families, and stakeholders, symbolized the formal transition of the graduates from academic training to professional practice. The event emphasized the ethical responsibilities and service commitments that come with licensure, especially in maternal and child healthcare.
Just over a week later, on May 19, 2025, UNP-CHS was again honored during the Joint Oath Taking and Induction Ceremonies of New Midwives and New IMAP Members held at the Grand Ballroom, Century Park Hotel in Manila. Organized by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Professional Regulatory Board of Midwifery, the national ceremony recognized top performing schools and individual achievers across the country.
In front of a distinguished crowd of PRC officials, academic leaders, and health professionals, UNP-CHS was awarded 2nd Place among the Top Performing Schools Nationwide, having achieved a 97.56% passing rate from a cohort of more than 30 examinees.
Representing the University and receiving the award were Dr. Joussie Bermio, Dean of the College of Health Sciences; Prof. Alfredo Corpuz, Assistant Dean; and Prof. Lowie Lynette Basconcillo, Program Head for Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM). Their leadership was acknowledged as vital to the college’s continued academic success.
PRB Chair Hon. Melchor Dela Cruz, Jr., alongside board members and APSOM representatives, also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and professional integrity in the practice of midwifery.
For UNP-CHS, these recognitions not only mark the culmination of students’ academic journeys but also validate the institution’s efforts to uphold excellence in health sciences education. More than just a celebration of numbers, these honors affirm the University’s mission to develop highly competent, ethical, and service-oriented midwives prepared to address pressing maternal and neonatal health challenges in the Philippines.
As the newly licensed midwives take their oaths, the college remains steadfast in its commitment to train the next generation of healthcare providers—equipped not just with clinical competence, but also with compassion, integrity, and a deep sense of public service.
