TACURONG CITY — A total of 330 nursing and midwifery candidates from the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) College of Health Sciences marked their formal transition into clinical practice during the 18th Capping, 19th Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony held at the ACCESS Campus.
The solemn rite, recognized by the Philippine Nursing Students’ Association (PNSA), officially ushered in the candidates from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) programs.
The candidates were presented for capping, pinning, and candle lighting by Mark Anthony G. Alcantara, MAN, RN, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and formally confirmed by SKSU University President Atty. Cyrus E. Torrena, DPA, MNSA. President Torrena officially bestowed the university’s institutional endorsement upon the 330 candidates, validating their entry into clinical practice. Dr. Alan A. Maglantay, Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the program by welcoming guests, faculty, and candidates while highlighting the academic discipline required to reach the milestone.
The event highlighted key symbols of the health professions, the cap, lamp, pin, and Madonna, presented by student representatives Mary Louvelle P. Frenal, Shara Pauline M. Mabandig, Derek Paul V. Giganto, and Ivy P. Eucognan. Camille Marie B. Urbano, RN, MNE, and Loriza B. Fungan-Quiros led the symbolic lighting of the Florence Nightingale and Lady Midwife candles, signifying compassionate and unwavering service.
Addressing the student healthcare workers, Richard Deo Rox R. Alave, RN, MAN, Governor of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Region XII, delivered a keynote message focusing on professional integrity, leadership, and ethical patient care.
The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Nurses’ Pledge and Midwifery Pledge, led by BSN Program Chairperson Cristela Marie M. Pelarco, RN, RM, MAN, and BSM Clinical Coordinator Ivy P. Abuda, RM, BSM, MAHPE, committing the student candidates to service aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
