Balik-Turo 2026
UPNAAI and UPCN welcomed global alumni back to the College of Nursing on April 10, 2026 for the third Balik‑Turo — a day of learning, mentorship, and community. Students enjoyed powerful talks on lifestyle medicine and interprofessional collaboration, plus a dynamic panel on evidence‑based career success.
Survey results showed 90–95% Excellent ratings, with students calling the event inspiring, relevant, and empowering. This year, UPNAAI awarded 8 Baccalaureate scholarships, 24 educational assistance grants, and raffled 18 stethoscopes, adding excitement and joy to the celebration.
Balik‑Turo continues to strengthen the bond between UP nurses worldwide and the students who will follow in their footsteps.
The spirit of pagbabalik and pagtuturo was alive and unmistakable on April 10, 2026, as the University of the Philippines College of Nursing (UPCN) and the UP Nursing Alumni Association International, Inc. (UPNAAI) held the third Balik‑Turo, which is starting to become a signature homecoming of knowledge, mentorship, and service.
Balik‑Turo brings UP nursing graduates from around the world back to their alma mater to share expertise with current students—an initiative that has grown into one of UPCN’s anticipated academic events during its foundation week celebration. This year’s program featured two high‑impact presentations, a multi‑sector panel discussion, and a celebration of student achievement through scholarships and awards.
Global Expertise, Local Impact
The morning opened with remarks from UPCN Officer-in-Charge and Head of Continuing Education Services Program, Jennifer Paguio, PhD, MA, RN and UPNAAI President Rosemarie Gadioma, MSN, ANP, BSN'81, ACNP-BC followed by two dynamic presentations:
Geraldine “Gigi” Kidary, APRN, FNP‑BC, introduced students to lifestyle medicine and culturally grounded health promotion, emphasizing the nurse’s role in prevention and community wellness.
Elizabeth de Leon‑Gamboa, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CCM, CMCN, delivered a compelling session on interprofessional collaboration, using real‑world cases to illustrate how nurses anchor safe, coordinated, patient‑centered care.
A highlight of the program was the panel discussion on evidence‑based factors for nursing career success, moderated by Ramil Cabela, DBA, MBA, BSN, RN (representing the life sciences industry) and featuring leaders from academia (Raquel Bertiz, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE-A), acute care industry (Maria Christina Ycaza-Gutierrez, BSN, RN, CCRN), and long‑term care sector (Anabelle Mazzochi, BSN, RN). The discussion translated research into practical guidance on personal mastery, mentorship, workplace culture, and long‑term professional fulfillment.
“A growing body of nursing and organizational research shows that long‑term career success is shaped by five interconnected factors - Personal Mastery, Performance & Achievement, Relational Capital, Contextual Advantage, and Psychological Success.”
— from the Panel Discussion synopsis
Students Respond: “Inspiring, Relevant, and Empowering”
Post‑event survey results reflected overwhelming enthusiasm. Among 93 respondents, ratings for the overall program and all speakers ranged from 90% to 95% Excellent.
“Highly inspiring speakers; students appreciated personal stories.”
— from the Post-event Survey Results
Students also expressed interest in future topics such as pursuing other advanced degrees beyond nursing, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and navigating ethical dilemmas—signaling a growing appetite for global, future‑ready nursing education.
Celebrating and Supporting Future UP Nurses
Balik‑Turo 2026 also served as a moment of recognition and support for UPCN students:
- 8 students received Baccalaureate Scholarship Grants
- 24 students received one‑time educational assistance awards
- 18 students won brand‑new stethoscopes through two raffle rounds that energized the crowd
These scholarships and gifts reflect UPNAAI’s enduring commitment to uplifting the next generation of UP nurses—many of whom will one day return as Balik‑Turo speakers themselves.
A Tradition of Giving Back
More than a program, Balik‑Turo is a living expression of the UP-nursing ethos: excellence, service, and leadership rooted in community. Through the generosity of alumni chapters, donors, and partners, UPNAAI continues to strengthen UPCN’s mission and expand opportunities for students.
As several respondents noted, they hope Balik‑Turo can be held more frequently—a testament to its impact and the deep connection between UP nurses across generations and continents.
Balik‑Turo continues to embody the UP spirit of service, mentorship, and lifelong connection.
