Honoring a milestone in the academic and professional journey of its second-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), hold the 18th Capping, Badge Investiture, and Candle Lighting Ceremony yesterday, October 20, at the university gymnasium, marking the start of the student nurses’ commitment to providing safe and humane care to patients.

Composed of 21 male and 68 female candidates, a total of 89 student nurses gathered with university key officials, faculty members, chief nurses from affiliated healthcare institutions, and proud families to commemorate their progress toward becoming competent, ethical, and compassionate nursing professionals in the community.

“A nurse is often present during the most vulnerable moment of human lives,” University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo stated. “This is why nursing requires both a trained mind and a compassionate heart.”

He further addressed the candidates that the true significance of the ceremony extended beyond the candle light of the said event. “The brightest light is not the light in your candles, it is you.”

Serving as guest of honor was Mark Jordan C. Pestaño, RN, a distinguished BiPSU alumnus from the Class of 2024 and is now working as a staff nurse at the OSPA Farmers’ Medical Center.

Drawing from his experience as a student nurse a few years ago, Mr. Pestaño recalled questioning his readiness when he underwent his own capping ceremony, relating this uncertainty to the journey of preparing a cup of coffee.

“You will need the three ingredients of coffee: pure coffee powder, creamer, and sugar to withstand the call of clinical practice,” he shared.

Nurse Pestaño likened pure coffee to the challenges, doubts, and setbacks that student nurses will encounter, emphasizing that bitterness is a real part of the experience and should not be a reason to give up. Instead, he encouraged the candidates to wear their caps as symbols of resilience and humility—the willingness to learn even through difficult moments.

Moreover, the creamer was described as a representation of growth, when appreciation and meaningful experiences begin to transform the journey. In addition, he compared sugar to happiness, which does not automatically come with the coffee but must be added by choice. 

With In this analogy, he reminded the student nurses that while difficulties are inevitable, growth and fulfillment also depend on how they respond to their experiences and embrace the path they have chosen.

Meanwhile, SNHS Dean Dr. Jovy Dia Saniel congratulated the candidates and reminded them of the value of their chosen dream. “Nursing is a privilege, not everyone is called to be nurses,” she said, underscoring the honor of learning medical procedures and the opportunity to be part of a nursing school. 

Among the highlights of the ceremony was the ceremonial lighting of the Nightingale’s Lamp, led by the BSN faculty and guest chief nurses, symbolizing the enduring values of the nursing profession and the responsibility that comes with caring for human life.

Responding on behalf of the candidates, Mr. Gino Jay Padar acknowledged the sacrifices and unseen struggles behind their academic journey, while affirming their determination to continue improving as future nurses.

“We may not become perfect student nurses, but we can choose to become better ones,” Padar expressed.

He added that the ceremony affirmed that their efforts and sacrifices had not gone unnoticed, emphasizing their resolve to persevere. “Yes, naningkamot ta, pero maningkamot pa ta,” [Yes, we strived, but we will continue striving.]

The occasion was also graced by representatives of BiPSU’s affiliated healthcare organizations, including Mr. Christian Hansel Borrinaga, chief nurse of Biliran Provincial Hospital; Mr. Reynaldo M. Impas of the Philippine Nurses Association–Biliran Chapter; and Dr. Nestor Ibañez Jr. of OSPA-FMC.

Through the ceremony, the University reaffirmed its commitment to developing nursing graduates equipped not only with the knowledge and clinical skills required by the profession, but also with the empathy, integrity, and humility essential to patient care.

As the 89 candidates move closer to clinical practice, their caps, badges, and candles serve as reminders of the duty they are preparing to carry: to care for others with competence, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.]