In celebration of Nursing Week 2025, the College of Nursing of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), together with the Nursing Students Organization (NSO), spearheaded simultaneous community extension activities across several municipalities in Ilocos Sur on October 28, 2025. Held under the college’s flagship C-A-R-E Program (Community Assistance, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment), the initiatives showcased UNP’s enduring commitment to advance public health, compassion, and cultural awareness through meaningful service-learning experiences.
In Sitio Nalasin, Camanggaan, Vigan City, the project “Batang BUSOG: Building Up Strong and Optimized Generations” addressed the pressing issue of child malnutrition through nutrition education sessions for parents and caregivers. The initiative emphasized the importance of balanced meals and proper child-feeding practices to support healthier and stronger Filipino families.
Meanwhile, in Napo, Sto. Domingo, the outreach program “Beat the Pressure: A Home-to-Home Health Talk on Hypertension Prevention cum Maintenance of the Herbal Garden” focused on promoting cardiovascular health. Participants learned about blood pressure management, healthy lifestyle choices, and the therapeutic use of herbal plants, in line with the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 (TAMA).
At Taguipuro, Bantay, the activity “KAPWA: Knowledge and Advocacy for Promoting Wellness and Advancement” emphasized the value of preventive health by encouraging regular physical activity, stress management, and overall well-being. The program fostered a sense of shared responsibility among community members in maintaining healthy lifestyles.
In Pudoc, San Vicente, the team carried out “Knowledge and Care: Awareness and Compassion Toward a Safe and Healthy Community”, which centered on building safer neighborhoods through health awareness campaigns and the promotion of compassionate care. The initiative strengthened community engagement and encouraged residents to take an active role in safeguarding public health.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 4: Quality Education—these collaborative efforts between faculty members and student nurses demonstrated the vital role of nursing in nation-building.
Through these activities, the UNP College of Nursing and NSO reaffirmed their shared commitment to service, advocacy, and empowerment—hallmarks of the nursing profession.
Article by Rizza Abinsay.
