Recognizing excellence and dedicated service in the nursing profession, the University of Northern Philippines College of Nursing Alumni Association conferred the Tanglaw Awards on October 29, 2026, at the UNP Gymnasium, honoring outstanding graduates and distinguished nursing leaders.
Recognizing exemplary achievements and unwavering commitment to the nursing profession, the College of Nursing Alumni Association presented the Tanglaw Awards to outstanding alumni and distinguished nursing leaders whose professional accomplishments and dedicated service reflect the University’s tradition of excellence and lasting impact on healthcare.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of College of Nursing Alumni Association President Professor Sheila Obispo, Dr. Epifania Marlene Purisima set the tone for the celebration, highlighting the importance of recognizing professional accomplishments, honoring dedicated service, and upholding the values and standards of excellence that define the nursing profession. The occasion also provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of nursing alumni whose expertise, compassion, and commitment to patient care continue to make a meaningful difference in their respective fields and communities.
The gathering was further enriched by messages from UNP President Dr. Erwin Cadorna, UNP Federated Alumni Association President Engr. Nestor Pajaro, and College of Nursing Dean Dr. Francis Don Nero. Their messages highlighted the University’s commitment to sustain academic excellence, strengthen professional development, and nurture a strong alumni community that contributes to the advancement of healthcare. Their presence also reaffirmed the vital role of nursing graduates in promoting quality patient care, responding to evolving healthcare needs, and serving communities with competence, integrity, and compassion. Through the Tanglaw Awards, the University and its nursing alumni community continue to recognize the achievements of distinguished professionals while inspiring future generations of nurses to uphold the profession’s enduring commitment to service and excellence.
A major highlight of the celebration was the recognition of outstanding nursing alumni whose achievements exemplify excellence in licensure examinations, professional leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions to the University.
Among the awardees were Ms. Dianne Tolentino, who secured Top 1, and Mr. Josian Bermio, who placed Top 9 in the August–September Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination. Their remarkable accomplishments demonstrated the quality of education and professional preparation provided by the University of Northern Philippines, reflecting the dedication, competence, and determination of its nursing graduates to excel in their chosen profession.
The ceremony also paid tribute to distinguished alumni and former college deans whose leadership and service have helped shape the development of the College of Nursing and strengthen its tradition of excellence. Dr. Larguita Retoutar received the Allied Health Leadership Award for her service from 2011 to 2019, while Prof. Lilia Salvador, Dr. Marciana de Vera, Prof. Brigida de Leon, Dr.Julieta Guinid, and Dr. Francis Don Nero were conferred Lifetime Legacy Awards in recognition of their respective periods of leadership and enduring contributions to the institution. Their recognition celebrated the lasting impact of their service in advancing nursing education, nurturing future healthcare professionals, and sustaining the College’s commitment to quality education and professional excellence.
The ceremony also paid posthumous tribute to two pioneering leaders who helped shape the history of the College of Nursing. Dean Florencia Pagador, who served as the College’s first dean from 1968 to 1973, and Dean Cecilia Biteng Bayeng, who led the college from 1973 to 1981, were honored for their invaluable contributions to the institution. Their recognition celebrated the dedication and leadership that helped establish the foundations of nursing education at UNP and paved the way for succeeding generations of nursing professionals.
The ceremony also paid posthumous tribute to pioneering deans Prof. Florencia Pagador, who served from 1968 to 1973, and Prof. Cecilia Biteng Bayeng, who led the College of Nursing from 1973 to 1981, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the institution and their lasting influence on generations of nursing professionals.
Other distinguished alumni received awards for their professional accomplishments, with Ms. Katrina Rica Aguila earning the Outstanding Alumni in Entrepreneurship Award; Dr. Jonathan Laranang and Ms. Flormina Quitoriano-Suan receiving the Outstanding Professional Achievement Award; and Mr. Marcelino Pardo II receiving the Global Nursing Excellence Award. Dr. Amelia Saldua-Magno was named the Most Outstanding Nursing Alumna for 2026 and conferred the Tanglaw Legacy Award.
The gathering also strengthened the bond between the College of Nursing and its alumni, celebrating how nursing education translates into professional excellence, leadership, and meaningful service to communities. An intermission performance by College of Nursing faculty member Mr. Soren Paulo Avila and Ms. Lendhel Tamsi, enriched the program, which concluded with closing remarks from Assistant Dean Ms. Mercedes Anicas.
Through the Tanglaw Awards, the UNP College of Nursing Alumni Association reaffirmed its commitment to honor professional excellence and preserve the legacy of nursing leaders whose contributions continue to inspire future generations and advance quality, compassionate healthcare.
