CLASSROOM Silliman co hosts International Nursing Symposium 2026
Plenary sessions on the first day addressed global academic–practice partnerships, relational harmony in nursing care, intergenerational teamwork, and mentorship in nursing research. Panel discussions examined gaps in qualitative research rigor, social movements and implementation science, and the migration experiences of Filipino nurses working abroad. Concurrent podium presentations and research poster viewing sessions complemented these discussions.
Sr. Mary Grace Silab, SPC, president of St. Paul University Dumaguete, welcomes all participants on the second day of the symposium.
Day two opened with messages from Sr. Mary Grace Silab, SPC, president of St. Paul University Dumaguete, and Dr. Marc Angelo C. Llosa, chief of hospital of NOPH, represented by Chief Nurse Grace Baring. Plenary and panel discussions focused on reimagining care for an aging population and on transforming nursing care through artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and robotics.
A significant feature of the symposium was the strong research presence of SUCN faculty and students. Dr. Evalyn E. Abalos and Dr. Theresa A. Guino-o, both former deans of the College of Nursing, joined Fredita Tan, president and CEO of Silliman University Medical Center, in a panel discussion titled “Social Movements and Implementation Science,” which explored how social advocacy and evidence-based frameworks inform nursing practice and health systems leadership.
Several SUCN faculty members delivered podium presentations showcasing ongoing research initiatives. Dr. Freslyn Lim-Saco presented “Synchronicity in Nursing Education: Bridging Theory, Research, Informatics, and Leadership,” highlighting integrative approaches in contemporary nursing education. Dr. Barbara Lyn A. Galvez shared “A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Exploration of Aesthetic Nursing through Children’s Drawings and Narratives,” which examined caring practices through creative expression.
Dr. Marc Angelo C. Llosa, chief of hospital of NOPH, is represented by Chief Nurse Grace Baring, who welcomed all participants.
Additional faculty presentations included Asst. Prof. Rowena M. Turtal, who discussed “Health Education Needs and Strategies on Diet and Exercise for Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Dumaguete City,” a participatory action research project conducted with community partners, and Asst. Prof. Uenavil E. Anne Junio, who presented “Capacity Building for Mental Health of Older Persons,” also grounded in participatory action research addressing the mental health needs of the elderly.
SUCN students likewise contributed to the scholarly exchange. Brianna Rikka A. Jabel delivered a podium presentation titled “The Associations of Vaping and Respiratory Health Status among Business Process Outsourcing Employees of Dumaguete City,” co-authored with fellow nursing students. The study examined emerging public health concerns related to vaping and occupational health among young workers.
The symposium concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Theorose June Q. Bustillo, dean of the Silliman University College of Nursing. Participant feedback reflected appreciation for the expertise of the speakers, the interactive nature of the sessions, and the opportunities for professional networking and collaboration.
The organizing committee is set to convene to plan future editions of the International Nursing Symposium, building on the momentum and strong faculty and student research engagement showcased in this year’s event.
