09/09/2025
๐๐ฆ๐จ๐จ ๐ก๐๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐บ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฏ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐
September 9, 2025 โ Second-year nursing students gathered at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gymnasium for the 31st Capping, Badge Investiture, and Vigil Lamp Lighting Ceremony, marking their formal initiation into the nursing profession. This ceremony was more than a traditionโit symbolized their journey and commitment to the core values of compassion, responsibility, and hope.
The event began with a solemn procession as the students, dressed in their ceremonial attire, filled the gymnasium. The entrance of colors followed, creating a respectful atmosphere, and was followed by the stirring rendition of the National Anthem, setting a patriotic and dignified tone for the ceremony.
Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue, delivered a heartfelt message honoring the faculty, parents, and participants who journeyed with them toward this milestone. He reflected on the significance of the ceremonyโs symbols. He emphasized the evolution from the traditional โsister of the sickโ to the modern concept of caritas highlights that nursing goes beyond giving medicine, it is also about empathy and presence. They are called to embody caritas, expressing genuine emotion as an enduring reminder of their vocation and compassion.
Hannah Natalie R. Hakami of the Class of 2027 had the honor of lighting the Mother Lamp, a symbolic gesture marking the enduring spirit and dedication. The ceremony continued with the imposition of caps, the pinning of badges, and the lighting of vigil lamps, led by Mr. Tarcisio B. Candog Jr., PhD, RN, Dean of Nursing, along with Sheryl Mae L. Ciencia, RN, MAN, Level I and II Coordinator, and Maria Katrina L. Costiniano, RN, MAN, Level III and IV Coordinator. Each gesture reflected the care and commitment that guide every nurse on their journey.
The keynote address was delivered by Josie Q. Udan, DNM, RN, a distinguished nursing leader and educator. Known for her academic excellence and international contributions to the field, Dr. Udan shared her personal journey and professional insights. A topnotcher in the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam and a magna cm laude graduate, she reflected not on accolades, but on meaning.
โNursing is about serviceโnot to be served,โ she reminded. โIt is not just a profession, but a presence.โ
She emphasized that the heart of nursing lies in human connectionโhow oneโs compassion and care can make a difference beyond what textbooks can teach. As author of Foundations of Nursing, her work has shaped not only classrooms, but real-world care across borders.
Following her inspiring message, a token of recognition was presented by Dean Tarcisio B. Candog, Jr., PhD, RN, and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research Dr. Arlyn M. Floreta, as a gesture of gratitude for Dr. Udanโs time and wisdom.
In the Challenge to the Candidates, student nurse Nicole Angelique O. Famador of The Class 2026 who offered a heartfelt reflection on her journey. She recalled the overwhelming pressure of first entering the hospital settingโbut also the unforgettable lessons, friendships, and moments of laughter that carried her through. โThis pin is more than a symbolโit holds every fear weโve faced, every lesson weโve learned, and every hope we carry forward.โ
She reminded her fellow nurses that even in failure, there is always room to begin again.
Next, Mary Angeli B. Collado of The Class 2027 gave the message of response. Her speech emphasized the importance of self-motivation and the ability to apply their academic learning to real-world care. She reminded fellow students that mistakes are not the end of the road, but an opportunity to begin again with deeper understanding. She closed her message by encouraging her peers to accept the challenges ahead with optimism and resilience.
After the student speeches, Clinical Instructor Oliva L. Asendente, RN, MAN, led the solemn recitation of the Nurseโs Pledge, reaffirming the studentsโ dedication to ethical and compassionate patient care.
A touching moment followed as a slideshow presentation featured each nursing section, highlighting the students' journey, friendships, and growth throughout their academic years. As the theme song, "Courage" by Ben&Ben, played in the background, students lit candlesโsymbolizing their readiness to bring light into the lives of those they will serve.
Wearing their newly donned caps and badges, the students stood unitedโnot just as graduates, but as future healthcare professionals. The candle lighting and slideshow served not only as a rite of passage but as a powerful reminder of the values they carry forward: courage, dedication, and compassion.
The ceremony ended with a group photo together with the speakers and participants, capturing a moment of pride, unity, and hope for the future of nursing.
Write-up by: Danielle Gelio-ano & Zofeyah Bucag
Photos by: James Marquez, Ayeshia Tan, Zofeyah Bucag & Danielle Gelio-ano