The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Nursing, through its Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) Program, recently hosted the third installment of “The NARS,” its flagship webinar series. Held on August 23, 2025, via Google Meet, the event drew approximately 100 participants, including BSN and MAN students, faculty members, and alumni.
The session featured a distinguished alumnus: Mr. Rolan A. Bawanan, Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse in Acute Care Medicine at North York General Hospital in Ontario, Canada. A proud member of the MAN Program’s Class of 2017, Mr. Bawanan’s participation highlighted the core mission of “The NARS,” which stands for “Nursing Alumni Revisiting the School: Alumni Balik Turo Program.” This initiative strengthens ties with graduates and enriches student education by inviting alumni to share their professional expertise. The name, which uses the Filipino term “Balik Turo” (to return and teach), aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, providing students and practicing nurses with valuable insights and inspiration from seasoned professionals.
In his talk, which focused on the topic of Nursing Leadership in High-Stakes Environments, Mr. Bawanan posed a thought-provoking question to the participants: “How can I become a better leader in my practice?” His response was both powerful and practical: “Lead not by authority, but by example.” This statement resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the idea that true leadership is grounded in integrity, service, and role modeling—not merely in positional power. He emphasized that effective leadership is demonstrated through everyday actions, patient advocacy, and ethical decision-making. Mr. Bawanan also shared practical strategies for fostering collaboration, resilience, and evidence-based practice in diverse healthcare settings, drawing from his own global experience. Participants gained insights into international best practices and their direct application to the Philippine healthcare context, showing how global expertise can create local change.
The MAN Program of the UNP College of Nursing continues to champion advanced nursing education and leadership development, aligning with its mission to prepare nurses for specialized, managerial, and academic roles. Through initiatives like The NARS, the program provides a vital platform for graduate students and practicing nurses to engage with thought leaders, ensuring they remain adaptive, competent, and globally competitive. The College of Nursing is committed to hosting relevant, evidence-based discussions that empower nurses to lead with competence and compassion, and the success of this event underscores the importance of continuous professional development and strong alumni engagement.
