The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Gymnasium radiated pride and joy on July 31, 2025, as the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) hosted a grand testimonial dinner themed “A Journey of Heart and Hope: Celebrating Our New Nurses.” The event honored 55 newly registered nurses who passed the May 2025 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE), achieving an outstanding 93.42% passing rate, with 55 out of 59 examinees earning their professional licenses. This remarkable performance surpasses the national average of 64.39% by nearly 30 percentage points.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, delivered an inspiring address, commending the graduates for their exceptional achievement and urging them to embody humility and service in their professional careers. “This is not an ordinary feat. This is excellence. This is brilliance,” he stated, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the SNHS faculty, staff, and the graduates’ families. President Cañezo highlighted the university’s comprehensive support system, including strict admission and retention policies, dedicated clinical instructors, and post-graduation review programs. He also noted partnerships with local hospitals and international agencies in the United States, which provide scholarship-review grants and pathways to global employment after three years of local experience.

SNHS Dean Dr. Jovy Dia Saniel, in an emotional reflection, described the 2024 graduating class—the largest in SNHS history with 113 students—as “imperfect yet resilient.” She credited their unwavering determination and the collective support of faculty and families for their success in overcoming academic and personal challenges. “Their journey exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance,” she remarked, resonating deeply with the audience.

The event also recognized the pivotal contributions of SNHS faculty and university staff, with special awards presented to top-performing graduates and dedicated instructors. Heartfelt testimonials from the new nurses shared stories of sacrifice, resilience, and hope, underscoring the arduous yet rewarding path to licensure.

President Cañezo further announced that SNHS recently submitted its application to offer a Master of Science in Nursing program, currently under review by the Commission on Higher Education’s Office of Programs and Standards Development. “You have raised the bar once again,” he said, congratulating Dean Saniel and her team.

The testimonial dinner concluded with a renewed sense of pride and optimism for BiPSU-SNHS’s future, as the university continues to shape compassionate and competent healthcare professionals. 

[This article aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 3: Good Health and Well-being, No. 4: Quality Education and No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth]