Written by Anne Dominique Serrano and Precious Duenas
Photos courtesy of Erick Calaowa, John Reyes, Roque Peralta
In the cool highlands of Baguio, where the mist often meets the mountains, there is a word that carries the weight of a thousand thank-yous: Pammadayaw. To the Cordilleran people, it is more than just a ceremony; it is an act of pouring out honor and recognition to those who have cleared the path for others.
Today, the University of Baguio School of Nursing (UBSON) did exactly that. The halls were filled with a palpable sense of nostalgia and ambition as students, faculty, and returning alumni gathered for Pammadayaw 2026. Under the theme “From Then Until Now: Celebrating Legacy, Excellence, and Global Community Impact,” the event served as a bridge between the pioneers who built the foundation and the students who are now ready to take UB’s brand of compassionate care to the world.
The day began with a warm welcome from Ms. Jhoanne Soriano, RN, the Alumni Coordinator, setting a tone of homecoming that resonated throughout the program.
Wisdom from the Frontlines: The “TERRYFIC” Journey
The speaker lineup was a testament to the diverse paths a nursing degree can forge. Joseph Terry A. Melecio Jr., RN, MSN, brought a burst of energy to the stage, reminding everyone that a nurse’s greatest tool isn’t just a stethoscope, but their own mental resilience. He introduced his “TERRYFIC” framework— Time, Empower, Rise, Reflect, Yield not, Faith, Inspire, and Consistent– as a survival guide for community health. He even got the crowd on their feet with a catchy nursing jingle to the tune of “Apir Tayo,” proving that even in a serious profession, joy is a vital sign.
Following him, Mhelody Belmonte, RN, JD, offered a profound perspective on the evolution of the profession. As the daughter of a 1973 UB alumna, her presence felt like a full circle. A nurse who transitioned into the legal field, Belmonte spoke about the intersection of healing and justice. “Nursing is about the rehabilitation of the soul,” she noted, discussing her work with criminal offenders. She challenged students to step out of their comfort zones, reminding them that the world is an “oyster” and that a UB nurse’s skill set is as applicable in a courtroom or a disaster zone as it is at a bedside.
Of Time Capsules and Global Dreams
The atmosphere turned sentimental as Kathy Trocolli D. Alalag, RN, USRN, took the podium. For Kathy, returning to UB was like “opening a time capsule.” Having recently conquered both the PNLE and the NCLEX, she spoke candidly about the “mountains of work” and the quiet sacrifices– the missed birthdays and the self-doubt that define the student experience. She shared her BEEF strategy (Balance, Elbow, Eyes, and Follow Through) for clinical success, urging graduating students to find courage in their fear.
Though they could not be there in person, the spirit of the global UB community was felt through virtual messages. Kriesha Lorraine N. Uy, USRN, beamed in from Canada, sharing her arduous but rewarding journey from Saudi Arabia to North America. Her story was a powerful reminder that dreams have no borders. Similarly, FO2 Juno Roland C. Cababa, RN, shared his unique career pivot, from selling condo units to serving as a firefighter and medic at the Cuyauan City Fire Station. His message was clear: there is no single “right” way to be a nurse; you create your own path of service.
Honoring Excellence
The climax of the day arrived with the awarding of certificates, a moment of high emotion where the university formally recognized the hands that keep its mission moving. The stage saw a parade of excellence, honoring the outstanding student leaders and dedicated advisers who have kept the spirit of service alive on campus. The recognition extended to those who carried the UB banner abroad, including the academic-mobility participants from the student exchange and cultural immersion program at Jining Polytechnic University in China, as well as the Bridge USA Summer Work Travel participants who brought a global perspective back to Baguio. The ceremony also celebrated the winners of the Women’s Month competitions, highlighting the strength, grace, and vital role of women in the healthcare industry.
A Community United
As the event drew to a close, Ms. Emelyn V. Mangaoang, RN, MAN, the SBO Adviser, took the stage to offer the final closing remarks. Her words served as a grounding reminder of the shared values that bind the UBSON community together, signaling the end of a day filled with inspiration and pride.
However, the day’s success was not just about those on stage. There was a deep sense of appreciation for the faculty, staff, and especially the organizers of Section NDI. Without their meticulous planning and “behind-the-scenes” magic, Pammadayaw would not have been this successful. It was their collective effort that allowed the celebration to feel less like a formal program and more like a family reunion, a true labor of love that honored the legacy of the past while lighting the way for the future.
As the sun dipped behind the pines of the City of Pines, marking the end of Pammadayaw 2026, the echoes of laughter, shared stories, and renewed vows of service lingered in the air. More than just a date on the calendar, this day served as a powerful heartbeat, wherein, a reminder that while the landscape of healthcare is ever-changing, the spirit of a University of Baguio nurse remains unshakable.
From the pioneers who first walked these halls to the graduating students now standing on the precipice of greatness, the legacy of UBSON is not just written in textbooks, but in the lives they touch and the communities they heal. We leave today not just with certificates and accolades, but with a fire rekindled, ready to carry the torch of excellence from the highlands of Baguio to the farthest corners of the globe.
Until the next Pammadayaw, we continue the journey: honoring the past, serving the present, and bravely shaping the future.
