By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Some members of Batch SINAGTALA, the BSN Class of 2025, pose for a photo during the 100th CCINAA Alumni Homecoming and 36th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture held on July 5, 2025, at Diversion 21 Hotel, together with CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy; Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the CPU College of Nursing; Commissioner Salex E. Alibogha, CCINAA President; and Mrs. Frances Prescilla Cuevas, President of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc.
On July 5, 2025, Central Philippine University (CPU), together with the Central Philippine University College of Nursing (CPUCN) and the CPU College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA), held its 100th Alumni Homecoming and 36th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture. The event took place at Diversion 21 Hotel, gathering alumni, faculty, students, and distinguished guests to celebrate a century of excellence in nursing education and service.
The celebration began with a brief introduction delivered by Prof. Annalie D. Gilongos, who shared insights about CCINAA’s rich legacy, its milestones over the past century, and its enduring commitment to producing competent and compassionate nursing professionals. This was followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and an opening prayer. Afterward, Commissioner Salex E. Alibogha, Class of 1992 and current CCINAA President, gave the opening remarks.
“We are honoring today the pillar of nursing profession—not only for the first school of nursing in the Philippines but the Florence Nightingale of the Philippines in the person of the late Dean, Ms. Loreto D. Tupaz whose legacy created an imprint in the lives of the Centralian nurses all over the world,” Commissioner Alibogha remarked.
CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, also extended his heartfelt greetings to the attendees, recognizing the importance of the occasion and the enduring legacy of Centralian nurses.
“This annual event is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dean Loreto D. Tupaz, and also highlights CPU’s continuing quest for excellence by offering quality, relevant, and life-changing lectures such as the one we have today. This clearly aligns with our thrust at the University to uphold the core tenets of Scientia et Fides (knowledge and faith), and deliver Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL),” Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy emphasized.
Attendees listen attentively as Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, Administrator of Iloilo Mission Hospital, delivers his welcome greetings during the 100th CCINAA Alumni Homecoming and 36th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture.
Moreover, Dr. Florentino Alerta II, CCINAA Trustee, also shared his warm greetings and expressed his joy in witnessing the continued unity and dedication of the nursing alumni in honoring their roots and advancing the profession. In his speech, he shared that the Central Spirit binds generations of CPU nurses together, a spirit marked by excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service wherever they may be in the world.
Dr. Elmer Q. Pedregosa, IMH Administrator, also graced the event by sharing his welcome greetings. He emphasized that CCINAA has come a long way in strengthening the bond among its members and in upholding the legacy of excellence in nursing established by its pioneers.
Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the Central Philippine University College of Nursing (CPUCN), also took part in the celebration by sharing her heartfelt message. She expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the CCINAA in the growth and development of CPUCN, highlighting how the alumni association has consistently extended help to the college.
Afterward, Cheryl A. Dueñas from the Class of 1993 led the roll call of alumni and acknowledged the jubilarians, celebrating their continued connection to the CPU nursing community. This was followed by Mrs. Leilani E. Redosendo from the Class of 1978, who introduced the distinguished speaker for the Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture.
The lecture was delivered by Mrs. Frances Prescilla Cuevas, also from the Class of 1978 and President of the National Association of Public Health Nurses, Inc. She shared valuable insights grounded on the event’s theme, ‘CCINAA Beyond 100 Years: Fostering Resilience and Innovation in the 5th Industrial Revolution.’
In her talk, Mrs. Cuevas highlighted the critical importance of integrating mental health awareness into nursing practice. She emphasized that in the face of rapid technological change, the nursing profession must adapt while remaining deeply rooted in compassionate, patient-centered care.
Additionally, she provided an insightful overview of the Industrial Revolution, from its early stages to the current Fifth Industrial Revolution, and introduced the concept of Society 5.0, a human-centered approach that balances technological innovation with social well-being. Mrs. Cuevas challenged the nursing community to embrace digital transformation while remaining anchored in human connection, emotional intelligence, and ethical care, which are hallmarks of the Centralian nursing legacy.
After her insightful discussion, a Plaque of Appreciation was presented to Mrs. Frances Prescilla Cuevas in recognition of her invaluable contributions as the esteemed speaker of the Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture. The awarding was led by Commissioner Salex E. Alibogha, CCINAA President.
The program proceeded with the presentation of nominees for the incoming CCINAA officers. The ceremony also included the formal induction of Batch SINAGTALA, the BSN Class of 2025, led by Dr. Florentino Alerta II, CCINAA Trustee. One of the highlights of the celebration was the awarding of the CCINAA Academic Awardees and recognition of the Jubilarians.
Central Philippine University reaffirms its commitment to nursing excellence through the 100th CCINAA Alumni Homecoming and 36th Loreto D. Tupaz Memorial Lecture. The event honored a century-long legacy while inspiring future generations of Centralian nurses to lead with resilience, innovation, and compassion.