By Mikee Natinga Norico

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, College of Nursing Dean Prof. Melba C. Sale, and Hon. Salex E. Alibogha led the unveiling of the symbolic marker of the Natividad Campillo Caipang Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center, joined by faculty, alumni, and guests in a group photo celebrating the legacy of compassionate and holistic nursing care.

Central Philippine University (CPU), in partnership with Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and the Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses’ Alumni Association (CCINAA), held the 9th Natividad Campillo Caipang Memorial Lecture Series on October 29, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The event, themed “Spiritual Care in Nursing: The Heart of Holistic Healing,” was conducted in a hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and virtual participants via Zoom.

Sponsored by the CPU College of Nursing (CPUCN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Classes of 1985 and 1977, in collaboration with the CPUCN and the Nurses Christian Fellowship–Philippines (NCFP), the annual lecture continues to honor the life and legacy of Dean Natividad Campillo Caipang, a trailblazer in nursing education and compassionate care.

The morning program began with the registration of attendees, followed by an opening prayer led by Rev. Dr. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Senior and University Chaplain of the University Church. The National Anthem was facilitated by Mrs. Rona L. Idemne.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy then formally opened the program with his welcome remarks and Bible exposition, drawing from Matthew 5:13–16. He encouraged nurses to embody the roles of the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” symbolizing healing, compassion, and faith in practice. He reminded the audience that small acts of kindness can bring great light to others and that nursing, rooted in service and grace, is a calling to reflect God’s healing presence.

Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing, followed with her opening message, warmly welcoming guests, alumni, and students. She emphasized that nursing transcends being merely a profession—it is a sacred calling grounded in faith, compassion, and service. Prof. Sale also expressed gratitude to the Caipang family, alumni sponsors, and collaborating organizations for continuing the tradition of holistic and spiritual nursing.

Hon. Salex E. Alibogha, Commissioner of the Legal Education Board and CCINAA President, highlighted the enduring legacy of excellence in CPU’s nursing education. He noted that the Memorial Lecture Series, now in its ninth year, stands as a testament to the College’s Christian values and holistic approach to care. He encouraged nurses to integrate spiritual care into their practice, embodying CPU’s mission of nurturing faith-driven professionals.

A heartfelt tribute to the late Dean Natividad C. Caipang was presented by Prof. Elsie Italia through a narrative and video presentation that celebrated the Dean’s life of service and leadership.

The lecture series featured several keynote speakers who deepened participants’ understanding of spiritual care in nursing.

• Denia P. Santos, DNM, discussed “Spiritual Care in Nursing: The Heart of Holistic Healing,” emphasizing the vital role of faith in patient recovery and emotional well-being.
• Frances Prescilla Cuevas, MAN (Class of 1978), presented “Introduction to Spiritual Nursing and Spiritual Needs Assessment,” highlighting the importance of assessing patients’ spiritual dimensions as part of holistic care.
• Alumni Elizabeth Castor, RN, and Valerie Diesto, RN (Class of 1977), shared their personal insights in “Spiritual Care Experience,” underscoring the value of compassionate service in daily nursing practice.

Prof. Elsie Italia presents a heartfelt tribute to the late Dean Natividad Campillo Caipang through a touching narrative and video presentation at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, highlighting her enduring legacy of faith, service, and leadership in nursing education.

The program continued with a closing plenary message on the Conceptual Framework of Holistic Healing by Phebe Pendon (via Zoom), followed by responses from Nadine Caipang Catedral (BSN Class 1977), representing the Caipang family, and Tessana Subang, RN (BSN Class 1985), on behalf of the sponsoring class.

Prof. Janette Yap, CPUCN Clinical Coordinator and BSN Class of 1993, delivered the closing remarks, affirming the continuing relevance of Dean Caipang’s legacy. The singing of the Alma Mater Song, led by Prof. Rona L. Idemne (BSN Class 1990), and the closing prayer by Prof. Cynthia B. Mendoza (BSN Class 1979) concluded the morning event.

In the afternoon, the celebration continued with the Rededication of the Natividad Campillo Caipang Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center, held at the Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center.

Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Quimpo-Leysa led the rededication, sharing that a signage does more than mark a place—it tells a story, honors a mission, and glorifies God. Quoting Colossians 3:12–14, she urged attendees to embody compassion, kindness, and love—qualities that reflect the true heart of Christian service.

Prof. Melba C. Sale expressed joy and gratitude in her message, describing the unveiling as a celebration of faith, compassion, and enduring legacy. She shared that the center stands as a “beacon of hope and healing,” symbolizing the Centralian values of humility, service, and love.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the symbolic marker of the Natividad Campillo Caipang Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center, led by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, Prof. Melba C. Sale, and Hon. Salex E. Alibogha.

The entire day’s program was gracefully hosted by Prof. Annalie D. Gliongos, CPU-NSTP Coordinator.

The 9th Natividad Campillo Caipang Memorial Lecture Series and Kabalaka Center Rededication reaffirm CPU College of Nursing’s enduring mission—to nurture nurses who are not only skilled and competent but also compassionate, faith-centered, and dedicated to holistic healing. Through this event, the legacy of Dean Natividad Campillo Caipang lives on in every Centralian nurse who serves with heart, faith, and excellence.