Cebu Normal University (CNU) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) have formalized a partnership to address the country’s shortage of nurses through an upskilling program for underboard nursing graduates.

 

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on November 6 at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City between CNU President Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr. and CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis with Ms. Catherine Galang of CHED’s Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) as witness.

 

Under the agreement, CHED will provide Php 1.76 million in funding to support 88 participants, each receiving Php 20,000 in financial assistance.

 

The program aims to help Clinical Care Associates (CCAs) or underboard nurses who have completed the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program but have not yet passed the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (PNLE).

 

The initiative forms part of the Nurse Workforce Complementation and Upskilling Program, jointly implemented by CHED and the Department of Health (DOH), to increase the number of licensed nurses serving in both public and private hospitals.

 

Under the MOA, CHED is tasked with identifying and supporting higher education institutions that can deliver quality nursing review programs, while CNU will serve as the implementing higher education institution (DHEI) responsible for conducting the review and ensuring the efficient use of funds.

 

The agreement highlights the government’s continuing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system and support Filipino nurses in gaining the credentials and competencies necessary to serve the growing demands of the health sector.