Baguio City, July 14–15, 2025 — In a major move toward the advancement of nursing education in the country, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), through the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), spearheaded a two-day Public Consultation and Orientation on the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

Held at Lafayette Luxury Suites, Military Cut-off, Baguio City, the event convened stakeholders from higher education institutions (HEIs), hospitals, and other health institutions to deliberate on the proposed reforms in nursing education, with a particular emphasis on primary health care competencies and alignment with global standards.

Atty. Septon A. De La Cruz, CESO III, Regional Director of CHED-CAR, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of collaborative engagement in shaping the future of nursing education. The statement of purpose was presented by Dr. Milabel E. Ho on behalf of OPSD Director Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III.

A highlight of the event was a message from Dr. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing (PRC), who underscored the regulatory and professional expectations in the evolving healthcare landscape.

The event featured the Public Reorientation on:

  • The updated Policies, Standards, and Guidelines of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, now aligned with Primary Health Care Competencies;

  • The Proposed PSGs for the Master of Science in Nursing Program, both for Professional and Academic Tracks.

It also included a Public Orientation on the:

  • Proposed Guidelines on the Accreditation of Health Facilities for the Related Learning Experience (RLE) of nursing students.

The sessions were facilitated by the Technical Panel for Nursing Education, led by Chairperson Dr. Milabel E. Ho, with esteemed members Dr. Carmelita C. Divinagracia, Dr. Mary Grace C. Lacanaria, Dr. Annabelle R. Borromeo, Dr. Sheila R. Bonito, Dr. Maria Martina Geraldine Q. Dimalibot, Dr. Johanna S. Banzon, and Dr. Rudolf Cymorr Kirby P. Martinez.

 

The event served as a venue for open dialogue, feedback gathering, and consensus building—paving the way for responsive, future-ready nursing education policies.