𝐃𝐖𝐂𝐋’𝐒 𝐒𝐍 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲

“The healing ministry begins with having to understand what others feel,” quipped Fr. Edsel R. Demillo, SVD, the president of Divine Word College of Laoag, Inc. (DWCL), at the 21st Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony of the School of Nursing last Friday, August 22.

The event, attended by students, nurses, parents, clinical instructors, school administrators and other guests, served as a symbol of the official welcome and initiation of student nurses into the nursing profession.

The ceremony acknowledged the perseverance that the students have shown in mastering the fundamental theories and clinical skills of nursing, enabling the 148 Level II Student Nurses to apply their skills to clinical duties in hospitals and communities.

During the mass, Fr. Demillo emphasized the significance of a nurse’s role for the community, arousing the student nurses to possess the heart to serve without any hesitation, reminding them the role of empathy in fulfilling their noble duty.

Meanwhile, Clifford Kennedy M. Martinez, a Level II Student Nurse, urged his fellow students in his speech to never let the devastating chaos of life stop them from dreaming higher, saying, ‎”Today marks a new milestone in our academic journey. We have a long journey ahead, and this day is the beginning of it.”

The event was also graced by Ms. Angelica Aurelio, nursing alumni of DWCL now serving as one of the school’s nurses. She narrated the struggles she went through during her college days, stressing the significance of consistency of showing up and the commitment required to become an efficient nurse.

“Nursing will demand not just your clinical skills but will also require your presence and heart. It is always about showing up and being present no matter how difficult your personal situation may seem to be, it’s because your duty is to be driven by purpose, service, and commitment,” Aurelio expressed.

Furthermore, she reminded the student nurses that this event is not just a celebration of an academic milestone but a recognition of a deeper colleague.

“Each of these moments will shape you not just into nurses but into compassionate instruments of care. There will be times when you are faced with situations that test both your skills and patience, there will be people who will doubt you, and there will be moments of uncertainty, but I tell you— do not be discouraged,” she said.

Ms. Sanica Tabig concluded the event by expressing her gratitude on behalf of the batch, inspiring everyone to be resilient and strong during difficulties in life.

“Life won’t give us challenges that we can’t overcome. So let’s continue to step for ward which will make us stronger and braver.” she said.