26/09/2026
𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗡𝗠 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆, 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Emphasizing the values of compassion, commitment and responsibility, Celso Pagatpatan Jr., DrPH, RN, encouraged the Level 2 nursing students of Our Lady of the Pillar College–Cauayan (OLPCC) to embrace the calling of the nursing profession during the College of Nursing and Midwifery’s (CNM) 20th Capping and Pinning Ceremony on September 24.
Pagatpatan, a professor at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and Co-Director of the JBI De La Salle Committee on Evidence Synthesis, delivered an inspiring message to the candidates, parents/ guardians and attendees, reminding the students of the dedication and responsibility that come with becoming future healthcare professionals.
Pagatpatan emphasized that the cap and pin represent more than symbols of achievement, as they must be accompanied by the values and responsibilities expected of future nurses.
“The cap without competence is only a symbol. The pin without commitment is only a decoration. But when competence and commitment come together, they become the foundation of the nursing profession,” he said.
Following the guest speaker’s message, Elvin Jay Talay, RTRP, delivered students’ testimony highlighting the sacrifices of the Level 2 nursing students and the unwavering support of their parents, guardians and loved ones throughout their journey.
“Ang araw na ito ay hindi lang amin—ito ay sa inyo rin. We know that behind every clean, white uniform in this room is a parent or guardian who made heavy, unspoken sacrifices. Kayong mga magulang namin ang unang nakaranas ng puyat bago pa man kami mag-nursing school,” he said.
Talay further encouraged his batchmates to uphold the honor represented by their caps and pins as they continue their journey toward becoming professional nurses.
“To the glorious Batch of 2029, let us wear our caps with immense pride. Let us wear our pins with uncompromising honor. Let us step out of this hall, enter the hospitals and show the world the kind of extraordinary, compassionate and resilient nurses we were born to be,” he said.
The message of support continued through the parents’ response led by Irma Antonio-Pilar, MD, FPCP, one of the parents.
She encouraged the students to serve with compassion, pursue excellence while remaining humble and keep God at the center of their lives.
“Sa ating mga anak, maglingkod kayo nang may puso, maging mahusay ngunit manatiling mapagkumbaba at isama ninyo ang Diyos sa bawat hakbang ng inyong buhay,” she said.
Meanwhile, Judith L. Villanueva, RN, MSN, Dean of the College of Nursing and Midwifery, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing that the cap and pin should be worn with pride, humility and dignity as symbols of the students’ commitment to the nursing profession.
“When the journey becomes difficult, remember you were not called to become nurses because the journey would be easy. You were called because you have the heart to serve, even when it is difficult,” she said.
The 20th Capping and Pinning Ceremony began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Marc Glen Guingab.
Following the processional, Franklin L. Soriano, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the words of welcome. The program continued with the Florence Nightingale Parade, presentation of candidates, Nightingale Pledge, Nurse’s Hymn, students’ testimony, tribute to parents and batch song.
The ceremony served as a significant milestone for the Level 2 nursing students, recognizing their progress while reminding them of the commitment and service expected in the nursing profession.
Written by Jhona Mae Macaraniag
Layout by Angelina Dayrit
