By Karren Jay G. Asgar

CCINAA President, Atty. Salex E. Alibogha (left); CPUAAI President, Dr. Anita Illenberger (2nd from left); Dr. Anecita “Ann” Catedrilla Seisa (3rd from left); Mr. Narciso Loy Seisa (3rd from right); CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy (2nd from right); and CPU-CON Dean Melba Capaspas-Sale (right), gather for a photo opportunity following the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Dr. Ann Catedrilla Seisa & Loy Seisa Learning Commons for the College of Nursing during the Grand Alumni Homecoming Barrio Fiesta.

From February 3-7, 2025, the CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA) celebrated its Grand Centennial Reunion with the theme, “Pagtililipon 2025: Nurturing Nursing Brilliance, Fostering Alumni Loyalty and Support.”

On the first day, Central Philippine University (CPU), in collaboration with the Central Philippine University Alumni Association, Inc. (CPUAAI), hosted the Fellowship Night with Centralian Nurses at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. Highlights of the night included the acknowledgment of attendees from different parts of the world, trivia games, a fellowship dinner, community dancing, and the singing of Centralian songs.

“Thank you for the warmest welcome, hospitality, and sumptuous welcome dinner that you have extended to the men and women of CCINAA from its 17 chapters worldwide,” Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, President of the of the CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA) said in his closing remarks.

On the second day, the association held its Grand Alumni Homecoming Barrio Fiesta at the LDT Quadrangle of Central Philippine University. The celebration featured the introduction of the Dr. Ann Catedrilla Seisa & Loy Seisa Learning Commons for the College of Nursing, a new learning space for Centralian nursing students.

CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his welcoming remarks during the CCINAA Production Night at Iloilo Convention Center last February 5, 2025.

“During my stint as Dean of the College of Nursing from 2017 to 2022, you never failed to support the advocacies and programs of the college. This is evidenced by the phase one and phase two of our virtual simulation… So, this time, the project of CCINAA together with the College of Nursing, supported by the administration, is the state of the learning commons and learning hub for the College of Nursing…This will be the first in the University and first in the Region VI,” Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, CCINAA President remarked.

Afterward, Dr. Ann Catedrilla Seisa delivered her message, highlighting the details of the project. She announced that they would complete a donation amounting to P10,000,000.00. “This will enhance the clinical virtual discourses and provide a space for the nursing students to interact scientifically and at the same time, learn simulation in the digital environment anytime during class hours in an environment of comfort, technologically equipped learning atmosphere,” Dr. Seisa stated. A dedicatory service was held, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 3rd floor of LDT.

On February 5-6, 2025, the 4th International Nursing Conference on Translational Research was held at the Iloilo Convention Center, anchored on the theme, “NURTURING NURSING BRILLIANCE: The Complementary Role of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education, Research, and Practice.” The conference featured prominent individuals as keynote and plenary speakers. Joanne Paulus Tolentino Hernandez, Associate Dean of Simulation and Associate Professor of Nursing at Helene Fuld in New York, USA, graced the conference as the Keynote Speaker. Plenary speakers included Warly Remegio, System Vice President of Nursing Education and Professional Development at Hartford HealthCare System-Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Aldin Domaoan Gaspar, Assistant Professor 6, College of Nursing, University of the Philippines Manila; and Maredil Rafael Ambos, Professor 3, Program Head of Bachelor of Elementary Education, Coordinator for Professional Education Subjects from the College of Education at Central Philippine University.

On Day 2, Ricarte A. Gapuz, Chief Innovation and Content Officer for International Test Preparations at Ray A. Gapuz Review System ICAN, USA, served as the Keynote Speaker. Plenary speakers included Glenda S. Arquiza, Former Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing – Professional Regulatory Commission; Wanee Pongthong, Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, Thailand; Witchaporn Kidsamrong, Faculty of Nursing, Burapha University, Thailand; and Margaret Rose Dominado, Certified Pediatric Specialty Nurse Case Manager and Authorization Nurse at Kaiser Permanente, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., USA.

On February 7, the group will be conducting a medical mission in an adopted barangay in Zarraga, Iloilo, in the morning. The same day, a Gala Night will be held, during which 58 accomplished alumni will be recognized, and the CCINAA Nurse Alumni of the Century award will be presented.

The success of the Grand Centennial Reunion of CCINAA is a testament to the Central Spirit, unity, and support for the nursing community. Through collaborative efforts, the events highlighted the importance of ongoing growth and innovation in nursing education and practice.