SSU CoNHS holds first BSND White Coat, Pinning, annual BSN Badge Pinning, Capping Candle Lighting, BSP White Coat, Pinning Ceremonies

CATBALOGAN, Philippines — Samar State University – College of Nursing and Health Sciences held its first-ever BS Nutrition and Dietetics White Coat, Pinning, jointly with 7th BS Pharmacy White Coat, Pinning, and 18th BS Nursing Badge Pinning, Capping, Candle Lighting Ceremonies for 115 of its healthcare students at the SSU Gymnasium on Thursday, December 14.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics’ pioneering batch, Astaxanthin of 2025, comprising 45 candidates, was formally donned with white coats and pinned with the assistance of BSND instructors Linelle Bless Canda, RND and LJ Shaine Villan, RND.

Meanwhile, 20 BSP students from Batch Erythromycin of 2025 were pinned and cloaked with their white coats by BSP instructors Josie Rose Pilapil, RPh, Eddielyn Cabornay, RPh, Angelica Dawn Dejarme, RPh, and Josephine Rose Pilapil, RPh.

Fifty student nurses from BSN Batch Carnelian of 2026 were capped and pinned by the College Dean Dr. Dolores Arteche, assisted by BSN instructors Begonia Yboa, RN, MAN, Rheajane Rosales, RN, MAN, Jeanette Sabio, RN, MAN, and Mary Ann Apacible, RN, MAN. The lighting of candles was led thereafter by Charmaine Quiña, RN, MAN.

In an interview, CoNHS Dean Dr. Dolores Arteche expressed her joy regarding the momentous event.

“All I can say is I’m proud that the college have reached another milestone… To those [healthcare students] who are already here in CoNHS, just study, I know you can reach your dreams,” she said.

Following the customary sequence, the joint ceremony commenced with the Eucharistic celebration, followed by the processional march of the candidates and their parents, and then proceeding to the ceremony proper.

The Nutrition and Dietetics Creed, Oath of Pharmacy, and Florence Nightingale Pledge were led by faculties Linelle Bless Canda, Eddielyn Cabornay, and Lawrence Quincy Quiaño, respectively, sealing the commitment of the students in fulfilling their duties as soon-to-be healthcare professionals.

“Thank you for embracing the calling to serve others through the noble profession of medicine. Your dedication and passion are shaping a healthier, more compassionate future for us all. Your pursuit of knowledge, your empathetic care, and your commitment to healing are invaluable gifts to us all,” BSN President Carlo Garado said in his words of gratitude.

A milestone in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the White Coat, Pinning, Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremonies signify the transition of healthcare students from the classroom setup to the hospital or community setting. It indicates that the student was able to pass all the necessary requirements and can perform their responsibilities competently in the clinical area.