By Mikee Natinga Norico
Hon. Salex E. Alibogha (1st from left), Commissioner of the Legal Education Board and CCINAA President; Rev. Dr. Ernest B. Dagohoy (2nd from right), University President; and the family and friends of the late former College of Nursing Dean Natividad Campillo Caipang gather for a group photo during the Kabalaka Health Center renaming ceremony.
In a significant event celebrating the life and contributions of the late Natividad Campillo Caipang, Central Philippine University (CPU) held the 8th Natividad Caipang Memorial Lecture on October 16, 2024, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium. The event culminated in the renaming of the Kabalaka Reproductive Health Center, honoring her legacy in nursing education and community health.
The morning program commenced with an opening prayer by Rev. Roger T. Quimpo, followed by the Philippine National Anthem led by Prof. Rona L. Idemne, BSN Class of 1990. Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, University President, and Prof. Melba C. Sale, Dean of the College of Nursing and a BSN Class of 1997 alumna, extended warm welcome remarks.
Phebe Pendon, RN, RPsy, BSN Class of 1977, joins the 8th Natividad Caipang Memorial Lecture via Zoom from the USA, honoring her late mentor’s legacy in nursing.
Atty. Salex E. Alibogha, Commissioner of the Legal Education Board and President of the Centralian College of Nursing International Alumni Association (CCINAA), delivered an opening message emphasizing the importance of preserving Dean Caipang’s legacy. Prof. Elsie Italia paid tribute to the late dean, highlighting her immense contributions to the nursing profession and the university.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Glenda S. Arquiza, former Chairperson of the Board of Nursing, focusing on the theme, “Perpetuating the Legacy of NCC Excellence in Nursing Education: The Complementary Role of Teaching Technologies and Generative Artificial Intelligence.” Following this, Dr. Maredil R. Ambos led an opening plenary discussing “Teaching Technologies in the Advancement of Excellence in Education,” while a session via Zoom featuring Dr. Phebe Pendon addressed the implications of artificial intelligence in nursing education. Gabriel Thomas Garcia closed the morning with a discussion on the ethics of generative AI.
Honoring a Legacy: A portrait of the late Natividad Campillo Caipang, displayed at the 8th Natividad Caipang Memorial Lecture, held on October 16, 2024, at Central Philippine University. The event celebrated her invaluable contributions to nursing education and community health.
The interactive forum facilitated by Prof. Alvin John Gustilo allowed participants to engage actively, with heartfelt responses from the Caipang family, represented by Mr. Steinmitz Caipang on behalf of Nadiene Caipang Catedral who joined virtually alongside with Rupert Caipang from the USA.
In the afternoon, the Kabalaka renaming ceremony took place, marking a heartfelt tribute to Dean Caipang’s legacy. The ceremony featured welcome remarks from university leaders, and a detailed history of Dean Caipang’s impactful career by Prof. Elsie Italia. Noemi Lin Caipang Calvo, granddaughter of the late Dean Natividad Caipang & daughter of Dan Edgar Caipang, gave the family response during the renaming ceremony. A tribute was delivered by Prof. Nenalyn Abioda, and Rev. Roger T. Quimpo concluded with a message.
“This renaming is a fitting tribute to a beloved leader whose commitment to nursing education and community health was unwavering,” stated Atty. Alibogha. “It reflects our dedication to continue her mission of serving the community.”
The Natividad Campillo Caipang Memorial Health Center will continue to provide essential reproductive health services, embodying Dean Caipang’s commitment to public health and her enduring legacy at CPU. This milestone not only honors a cherished dean but also reinforces the university’s commitment to excellence in nursing education and community service.