In celebration of its 36th Foundation Anniversary, the Benguet State University College of Nursing (BSU-CN) successfully conducted the 2nd Florence C. Cawaon Excellence in Nursing Leadership and Management Conference (FACE 2.0). Held virtually from May 25–26, 2026, the two-day event marked the highly anticipated return of the conference series following its inaugural launch (FACE 1.0) in 2019.
The webinar was organized in honor of the college’s founding Dean, Florence C. Cawaon, and brought together alumni, faculty, and students from across the globe.
The conference commenced with a solemn doxology, followed by the singing of the national anthem and the BSU Hymn. Jude L. Tayaben, Associate Dean and Conference Chair, delivered the rationale for the webinar, emphasizing the mission to equip participants with the essential values, attitudes, and knowledge required to become competent, compassionate, and self-directed nursing professionals.
The event’s core focus perfectly mirrored the conference theme: “Excellent nursing education that provides graduates with self-direction, competence, and compassion.”
The webinar was structured into three thematic sessions, each featuring distinguished alumni speakers working in both local and international healthcare arenas.
Session 1: Competence in Nursing
Moderators: Jonalyn S. Esco & Marson P. Lao-an
The opening session explored the multifaceted nature of clinical and administrative competence. The college welcomed back an esteemed panel of speakers:
Geraldine Gano-Millamena (Class 1994) – Nursing Director, Ocean View Post-Acute Nursing Home California, USA
Jane Quiñones-Roberts (Class 2007) – Certified Emergency Nurse, Honor Health Deer Valley, Phoenix, , Arizona, USA
Mark U. Gay-as (Class 2005) – Current Dean, BSU College of Nursing
The speakers collectively reminded participants that nursing competence is not a destination achieved merely by graduating or passing the board examination; rather, it is a lifelong journey. It is built continuously through clinical experience, advanced training, mentorship, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone. They emphasized that a truly competent nurse is not only knowledgeable and highly skilled but also accountable, ethical, adaptable, and deeply committed to patient safety.
Session 2: Compassion in Nursing
Moderators: Maureen E. Gay-as & Mhyrlynejee S. Camdas
The afternoon session turned its focus toward the emotional and ethical heart of the profession, featuring insights from:
Mylene D. Sabiano (Class 2006) – Barangay Kagawad, Itogon, Benguet,Chair, Committee on Health and Social Services; Previous Private Carer of Elderly Clients, London, UK.
Lorraine C. Ramos (Class 2007) – Health Education and Promotion Officer III, BGHMC
Ibzan Victor F. Baniaga (Class 2005) – Travel Nurse , Alta Bates Summit Hospital Medical Center-Berkeley, California, USA
The speakers powerfully emphasized that excellence in nursing is incomplete without the heart to care. Compassion is far more than just being kind; it is the active ability to recognize the suffering of others and respond with genuine empathy, respect, patience, and profound concern.
Session 3: Self-Direction in Nursing
Moderators: Honey Grace K. Saingan & Marrianne W. Sagada
The final session, held on May 26, focused on Self Direction in Nursing which encompasses professional autonomy, leadership, and personal accountability. The honored speakers included:
Cheryll Galo-Gilmore (Batch 1997) – Advanced Nurse Practitioner In Women’s Health , Dublin, Ireland
Jason Mark M. Cuidno (Batch 2012) – ICU Clinical Facilitator, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Jethro L. Simeon (Batch 2014) – Senior Health Officer and Head of the Health Emergency Management Bureau & Assistant Regional DRRM-H Manager, Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR)
The speakers engaged in a fruitful open forum, expressing deep gratitude to BSU-CN for providing the foundational skills and ethical grounding that enabled them to navigate their respective career paths successfully.
Ms. Cheryll Galo-Gilmore advised students to honor the process of growth:
“Take great opportunities that come along the way, and don’t take shortcuts. Do it with good ethics—that will give you the best work. Keep an open mind, keep growing, and don’t forget the basics like history taking and physical assessment. If you do the basics right, then you are doing it right.”
Mr. Jethro Simeon offered a powerful message of resilience to students facing academic hurdles:
“Failure is not the opposite of success, but a partner of success.”
He further challenged the student body, expressing his hope that at least 40% of BSU nursing graduates would choose to enter public health nursing to serve their communities—particularly within Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
Session 3 served as a vital reminder that self-direction means taking full responsibility for one’s own professional growth. The speakers urged students never to belittle their humble beginnings, because every clinical experience counts. To thrive, a nurse must stay informed, read continuously, reject self-imposed limitations, and always work with uncompromised integrity.
Beyond sharing their expertise, the returning alumni expressed how meaningful it was to give back to the institution that shaped them. They candidly recounted their own past hardships and student struggles, using their stories to motivate the current generation to persevere. They challenged the students to embody the core values inculcated by their mentors and to carry the BSU banner proudly.
The two-day conference concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Maureen E. Gay-as, Co-Chair of the FACE 2.0 Conference. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to the participants, speakers, and organizing committees who contributed to the event’s success. In her final challenge to the students, she urged them to reflect deeply on the real-world stories shared by the speakers, who were once learners just like them. She expressed her hope that they would fully embody these lessons to become competent, self-directed professionals who deliver compassionate care to their future clients.
