Mark in college’s history: First-ever CONHS Days wraps up

Students of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CONHS) celebrated their first-ever CONHS Days through their competitive showcase of talents in the two-day event, spearheaded by the college’s provincial government and faculty, this November 13-14, 2023, at Samar State University – Main Campus.

Despite the event being moved to a later date from its original schedule of November 6-7, due to scheduling conflicts and availability of venues, the provincial government headed by Governor Ben Gabatbat, ensured that further delays will be avoided in giving the CONHS students their long-awaited College Days.

CONHS Days Commencement

Regardless of the unpredictable weather, students from the different health programs of the college enthusiastically participated in the opening ceremony that was held on the SSU grounds on November 13, finally commencing the momentous event for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

In her opening remarks, CONHS Faculty Linelle Bless Canda, RND emphasized the role of CONHS Days in acknowledging the importance of health sciences to our society, as well as the institution’s efforts in honing quality healthcare professionals.

“This special occasion brings together students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests who share a common passion for the field of Nursing and Health Sciences. It is a day where we come together to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by these disciplines to our society,” Canda, RND expressed.

“Today’s event is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our institution in nurturing and empowering future healthcare professionals. We ensure that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion required to excel in their respective fields,” she added.

Subsequently, in her welcoming message, CONHS faculty member Dr. Rheajane Rosales welcomed the students attending the event, and highlighted the positive impact of CONHS Days on the mental wellbeing of students of the college.

“In behalf of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, I would like to welcome everyone, and please enjoy this activity kasi diri ini primi. I think this activity is really helpful to balance our mental health, we are all aware that in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, medyo makusog an aton pakiki-baka sa academics” Dr. Rosales stated.

Theme and Teams

Rooted on the theme “Celebrating Compassion, Connection, and Camaraderie,” the provincial government and faculty of the college ensured that the CONHS Days witnessed a collaboration and bonding among students from the three health programs, namely the BS Nursing, BS Pharmacy, and BS Nutrition and Dietetics, by shuffling the students into four groups.

In his message, CONHS faculty and Provincial Government Adviser Mr. Alfonso Alex Labrague expressed the College’s and Provincial Government’s goal of building connections among the students of CONHS.

“Finally, this dream of yours na magka may-ada CONHS Days has become a reality now… Enjoy being with each other, especially that we are from different programs. Guin-mix talaga namon intentionally para magka may-ada bonding among the courses of our college,” he stated.

Drawing inspiration from Philippine mythology, the four teams were Lalahon (The Goddes of Fire, Volcanoes, and Harvest), Habagat (The God of Tempestuous Winds and Rain), Apolaqui (The God of the Sun and War), Agwe (The God of Water), and the facilitating team composed of the provincial government and its committees embodied Mapulon (The God of Health and Seasons).

Unveiling Hidden Talents

On the night of the CONHS’ acquaintance party, Provincial Governor Bet Gabatbat expressed his belief that apart from being studious, the students of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences possess hidden talents as well, and his idea of using the event as a platform to showcase these talents.

“Sinisiring pa, diri la kita puro pag-aram, mayda liwat kita tinatagong talento, ngan natuod ako hito. That’s why nagka-ada kita CONHS Days para ipakita liwat naton na an CONHS students may mas maihahatag pa, kaya pa,” he expressed.

Claiming the trophy as overall champion of CONHS Days, Team Habagat breezed through their rival teams by winning 9 contests out of 15 competitions held for the two-day duration of the event. The contests won by the champions include: Banner Race, Lakan at Lakambini, Men’s and Women’s Badminton, Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, Amazing Race, Pop Solo, and Instrumental Solo.

Trailing behind Habagat is team Agwe, followed by Lalahon, and placing as 3rd Runner-up was team Apolaqui.

Ending with a Bang

In his opening message for the program, provincial governor Ben Gabatbat expressed his gratitude to the different student organizations, faculty, and staff who helped in realizing the provincial government’s goal of conducting the college days, as well as his wishes for CONHS Days to continue even after his term as governor.

“I would like to thank the members of the Provincial Government… and also to the four organizations— ASNAH, SNA, USPS and SAND, it really is a success para aton tanan, ngan thank you han aton pag-burublig. Unta next year magka may-ada pa an masunod ha akon, unta mas maupay pa kesa hini…” he stated.

The closing program witnessed the Induction of Officers for the CONHS Provincial Government and the different student organizations within the college, followed by awarding ceremony, and the long-awaited Barbenheimer-themed Acquaintance Party which was held at the SSU Maceda Gymnasium on the night of November 14.

CONHS Provincial Government Adviser and CONHS Faculty, Mr. Alfonso Alex Labrague headed the oath-taking and induction of officers for the CONHS Provincial Government, United Society of Pharmacists (USPS), Alliance of Student Nurse Advocates for Health (ASNAH), Student Nurses Association (SNA), and Student Association of Nutritionist-Dietitians (SAND).

The Acquaintance party, which was the first-ever since the year 2018, marked an end to the very first CONHS Days held by the college.