By Mikee Natinga Norico
APOLLO and LUCINA teams of the CPU College of Nursing, together with their coaches and mentors, gather for a group photo with University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy during a courtesy call held at the BOT Conference Room in recognition of their achievements at the SIMNEX Olympiad 2026.
The Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing (CPUCN) earned international recognition after its APOLLO and LUCINA teams secured the 1st Runner-up and 5th Runner-up, respectively, in the SIMNEX Olympiad 2026: The 1st International Simulation-Based Learning Competition held at the Faculty of Nursing Building of Burapha University in Thailand.
The SIMNEX Olympiad officially commenced on June 5, while the competition proper took place on July 7–8, bringing together partner universities of Burapha University to showcase excellence in simulation-based nursing education. The competition utilized high-fidelity simulators as a teaching and assessment tool, highlighting simulation as an innovative pedagogy in nursing education and promoting international collaboration among participating institutions.
The competition featured a single simulation category with various clinical scenarios, including Labor and Delivery (Shoulder Dystocia), Pediatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing, and Medical-Surgical Nursing, allowing participants to demonstrate their clinical competence, teamwork, and critical thinking in realistic healthcare situations.
Representing CPU, the APOLLO Team was coached by Assoc. Prof. Ma. Lourdes N. Sampiano, Asst. Prof. Dunabelle B. Magtulis, and Assoc. Prof. Michael M. Tatoy while the LUCINA Team was mentored by Assoc. Prof. Rita E. Penaso, Asst. Prof. Dunabelle B. Magtulis and Prof. Alvin John H. Gustilo. During the competition, Prof. Sampiano and Prof. Magtulis, together with three student nurses, represented the APOLLO Team, while Prof. Magtulis and Asst. Prof. Gustilo, alongside three student nurses, represented the LUCINA Team. Both teams received cash prizes and certificates of recognition for their outstanding performance.
In recognition of their international achievement, the APOLLO and LUCINA teams paid a courtesy call to CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy at the BOT Conference Room on July 20, 2026. During the meeting, the University President commended the teams for bringing honor to CPU after securing the 1st Runner-up and 5th Runner-up awards, respectively, in the SIMNEX Olympiad 2026: The 1st International Simulation-Based Learning Competition held at Burapha University in Thailand.
According to Asst. Prof. Alvin John H. Gustilo, CPUCN International Linkages Coordinator and CPU Sustainable Development Goal Focal Person, CPU College of Nursing joined the international competition to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote the sharing of best practices in nursing simulation.
“CPU College of Nursing decided to participate because it will give the college partnerships and sharing of best practices in nursing simulation. For the students, it will help them be familiar with practices in other countries and also to experience competitions in the international arena,” Asst. Prof. Gustilo said.
To prepare for the competition, Gustilo shared that the faculty coaches and student participants conducted meetings and intensive practice sessions using various simulated clinical scenarios at the CPU College of Nursing’s Virtual Laboratory.
He also emphasized that participation in international competitions such as the SIMNEX Olympiad plays a vital role in advancing nursing education by fostering partnerships, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices among nursing institutions worldwide.
Gustilo likewise expressed his appreciation to those who supported the university’s participation.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the CPU administration, the CPUCN faculty and staff, as well as the CPUCN alumni who supported the faculty and students that joined the competition. They extended their resources to help the coaches and students participate in the competition,” he said.
The achievement reflects the CPU College of Nursing’s continued commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and preparing future nurses through innovative, simulation-based learning experiences while strengthening its international collaborations in nursing education.