By Adeo Guillever Gutierrez
CPU-CON, in partnership with UC-Davis’ Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, conducts a Health Teaching and Medical Mission at Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City on December 10, 2025, promoting health education, preventive care, and community well-being.
The Central Philippine University – College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California–Davis, successfully conducted a community health outreach entitled “Global Partnerships, Local Impact: Advancing Health Through Service and Learning” last December 10, 2025, at Barangay San Isidro Gym, Jaro, Iloilo City. The initiative was created to address the community’s growing need for health education, disease prevention, access to basic screenings, and practical health interventions that support overall well-being.
The outreach responded to identified health concerns in Barangay San Isidro particularly the lack of accessible preventive healthcare and limited awareness surrounding chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and conditions linked to smoking, alcohol use, and improper sanitation. Through this, residents were equipped with knowledge and services aimed at improving their daily health practices.
The health education component featured six comprehensive stations, collectively covering topics such as nutrition and hydration—including water safety and diarrheal management, vaccination awareness, hypertension and stroke, diabetes and its complications, safe sex education, and finally respiratory infections, smoking, and alcoholism. The stations were facilitated through grouped discussions to foster clear and holistic learning for all participants. Student nurses served as dedicated health educators across all stations, utilizing bulletin boards and distributing pamphlets to effectively communicate important health information.
The program formally commenced with Opening Remarks delivered by Prof. Melba C. Sale, MAN, The Dean of the CPU College of Nursing, followed by a message from Zyerene March, DNP, FNP-C, representing UC-Davis. The presentation of stations and members preceded the teaching session and consultation period, where student nurses engaged closely with community residents. The activity concluded with Closing Remarks from Dr. Gabriel Ortigoza, PhD, RN, a CPU Alumnus.
This collaborative initiative enhanced student volunteerism and strengthened the College’s commitment to service-learning, while further deepening the intercultural partnership between CPU and UC-Davis. The CPU College of Nursing conveys its sincere appreciation to The CPU Republic for serving as a valued sponsor, and extends profound gratitude to all volunteers, faculty members, student nurses, UC-Davis representatives, Diabetes Philippines, barangay officials, and local health workers whose collective efforts contributed to the success of this outreach.
As the college continues to uphold its commitment to community welfare and global collaboration, may this initiative serve as a continuing reminder of the transformative impact of shared knowledge, compassionate service, and collective dedication to advancing public health.