The Professional Regulation Commission Board of Nursing, Professional Regulation Commission Region VI in collaboration with the Central Philippine University College of Nursing held the Oath-Taking Rites of New Nurses at the University Church on January 30, 2018.

For the welcome remarks, CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles congratulated the new nurses for passing the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination. He also commended the CPU College of Nursing for their exemplary performance on the said examination, “This is but the beginning of your professional career as nurses. Your hard work and the love and support of your parents have helped you reach this moment. I thank your college because they have helped you become prepared for what you will be facing in your new journey.”

Ms. Joy S. Jalbuena, Senior Professional Regulations Officer of the Professional Regulation Commission, Regional Office VI, introduced guest speaker Hon. Cora A. Añonuevo, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing.

In her inspirational message, Hon. Añonuevo congratulated the new Centralian nurses and talked about the importance of the nursing profession, “As we welcome 56 new Centralian nurses today, I congratulate you—because, now, your names are in the roster of Philippine nursing professionals. Our profession is the backbone of Philippine health care, your education and training in your college will help you in the challenges of discharging your duties.”

She also encouraged the new nurses to take confidence in themselves, “What does it mean when one takes an oath? It means that you will now be looking for a job. Here, branding is important. It is important to brand yourselves as confident nurses. Confidence is the most important tool in your toolbox. Be aware of your strengths. Filipino nurses are the best for Filipinos, the choice of the world.”

After the message, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Acting Dean, College of Nursing, presented the 56 new Centralian nurses for the official oath-taking. Leading the oath-taking is Hon. Añonuevo.

She then presented Dr. Robles and Atty. Salex a Certificate of Recognition to CPU as the 6^th Top Performing School in the November 2017 Nursing Licensure Examination. It was then followed by the reading of the Code of Ethics by Alexis Michaela R. Tomon and the Florence Nightingale Pledge was led by Marinel Jane L. Palermo.

Joshua S. Giguera gave the response on behalf of the batch. In his speech, Giguera thanked CPU and their families for honing them and encouraging them to finish the challenging task of their aspirations to be nurses. He highlighted that it was his faith in God that made him persevere. He encourages his fellow batch mates to pursue God and to pray when difficult times meet them in their journey, “It wasn’t just about passing the board. It was about challenging yourself to do beyond what you can do. In those difficult times, my prayers to God made me persevere. I knew he was listening. I knew I could leave my fears and doubts behind. I encourage my fellow colleagues to pursue God and to value the strength of family ties in order for us to succeed in our chosen profession.”

Carolyn L. Yoro, President of the Philippine Nurses Association, Region VI, then led the PNA oath.