Eighty-nine second year students from the Cebu Normal University’s College of Nursing, Allied Health, and Sciences (CNAHS) celebrated their transition from students to practitioners at the 41st Cap and Badge Investiture and Candle Lighting Ceremony today.

 

During the ceremony at the Idea and Knowledge Center, the female nursing students were donned with caps, while the males were pinned with badges, signifying their entry into the nursing field. They also lit their lamps, inspired by Florence Nightingale, presenting their commitment to compassionate care.

 

The ceremony, Dr. Meshel Balijon, Vice President for Academic Affairs said, symbolized a rite of passage for aspiring nurses, and the students’ readiness to provide compassionate care and professional service.

 

“It is a timeless emblem of their role as future practitioners who are committed to both human wellness and scientific integrity,” she said, urging them to uphold the highest standards with courage, competence and heart.

 

The Batch Aegotheles representative, Kristina Thea Dacillo, said today’s ceremony was a “proof that we have carried the light,” and reminded fellow students that each lighted candle is not just tradition but a symbol of calling and service.

 

“Every candle that we light along the way is a soul we touch and a promise we won’t break.”

 

“We are not just wearing badge and caps today–we are carrying the weight of a calling, the privilege of touching lives, and the responsibility of being the ight for others,” she said.

 

Dacillo concluded with a message of hope and purpose, as Batch Aegetheles vowed to carry forward the values of care, compassion, and knowledge in their pursuit of becoming future nurses.

 

The ceremony kicked off with a Eucharistic celebration led by. Rev. Fr. Benedicto Tao, who reminded the students to the responsibility that comes with the gift and privilege of becoming future nurses.

 

It was followed by the solemn investiture and ceremony with the theme, “Empowered to Care, Inspired to Lead: From Students to Stewards of Life, Beacons of Care using Knowledge and Compassion.”

 

Dr. Marylou Ong, the guest speaker, delivered a compelling message, highlighting essential attributes that should be part of one’s emergency kit. These are compassion, resilience, person/patient centered-care, flexibility and versatility, dedication and commitment, genuine concern and empathy, and excellence.

 

She also encouraged the students to be a Florence Nightingale who exemplifies the true spirit of service and volunteerism by brining the lamp of hope to the ill.

 

“But learn to love yourself for it is only through the way that you will be able to emanate an optimal service to others…never forget that you will provide care for the needy through compassion, bravery, integrity, and respect,” she said.

 

For his part, Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr., CNU president, told the students to “always do your best,” “to top the exams,” and “to exemplify the excellence of education at CNU.”

 

“Not only pass, you are here to protect the brand of CNU in producing topnotchers,” he said.

 

The president also applauded the nurses for their “pure heart, mind, purpose and intention.”

 

Congratulations, Batch Aegotheles, Class of 2028!