Celebrating 34 years of academic excellence, professional accomplishments, and enduring camaraderie, the University of Northern Philippines College of Health Sciences (CHS) brought together students, faculty members, and alumni for its three-day Founding Anniversary and Alumni Homecoming on November 10–12, 2026 at the UNP campus.
Anchored on the theme, “Where Dreams Found Their Wings and Hearts Found Their Home,” the celebration featured academic seminars, cultural presentations, recognition ceremonies, and a concert, honoring the college’s rich legacy while renewing the bonds and shared aspirations of its growing community.
The three-day celebration officially commenced on November 10 at Marcos Hall (Gymnasium) with a Holy Mass, followed by a parade around the university campus, marking the start of the college’s anniversary festivities. In the afternoon, students took part in activities highlighting Filipino heritage and traditions through cultural games and a cultural quiz. CHS faculty members facilitated the quiz, while student organizations CHSSO, FMO, PHISMET, and TM spearheaded the Amazing Race, promoting teamwork, camaraderie, and appreciation of Filipino culture.
The academic component of the celebration continued on November 11 with two simultaneous morning seminars designed to broaden students’ perspectives, strengthen professional competencies, and deepen their understanding of emerging issues in health sciences.
Held at the UNP Auditorium, the seminar for first-year students carried the theme “Understanding Who You Are, Embracing Who You Can Become.” It featured discussions on gender and self-awareness, confidence and identity, and personal growth and professional identity, with Atty. Kathryn Louise Eder, Mr. George Rabago Aguinir, and Mr. Jervin Dale Formoso, serving as resource speakers.
Meanwhile, the International Seminar took place at Marcos Hall and was livestreamed through the CHS Facebook page, bringing global health perspectives and professional insights to a wider audience. Under the theme “International seminar on global health perspectives, interprofessional collaboration, emergency response, and ethical decision-making,” the discussions tackled ethical decision-making in healthcare, global healthcare trends and challenges, the affective domain in health science education, biosafety and biosecurity, and emergency triage prioritization. The sessions featured Dr. Glenda Rabino, Dr. Christopher Bañez, Dr. Bhert Keane Pugrad, Prof. Alfredo Corpuz, and Dr. Swapnav Borthakur, visiting faculty member of Assam down town University in India.
The afternoon program featured CHS Parangal 2026, carrying the theme “Pagpupugay sa kahusayan, kultura, at pagkakapantay-pantay,” which honored the outstanding contributions and achievements of faculty members, alumni, and students through various award presentations. The ceremony also showcased “Habi at kultura: Pagtatanghal ng kasuotang Pilipino,” a cultural runway presentation that highlighted the richness and diversity of Filipino heritage through traditional attire.
The three-day celebration reached its high point on November 12 with the CHS Concert at Marcos Hall, bringing students together for an evening of music, entertainment, and fellowship. The concert provided an opportunity for students to unwind, enjoy live performances, and strengthen friendships beyond academic engagements, capping the anniversary festivities with a vibrant celebration of unity and college pride.
Article by Ace Danielle C. Avero.
