PLM-CN commences their 52nd Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremony

With the theme of “Igniting Global Excellence: Lighting the Path for Future Filipino Nurses,” the PLM College of Nursing (CN) held its 52nd Capping and Candle Lighting Ceremony at the Manila Cathedral, Nov. 21.

The event began with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista, Vice Rector of the Manila Cathedral, setting a solemn tone for the ceremony which transitions second-year nursing students of the Pamantasan to hands-on clinical training. 

Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Nursing, Hon. Elsie Tee was invited to the event as a keynote speaker, inspiring the future nurses with her address while praising PLM-CN’s competency in the board examinations. 

“I was very impressed with your performance, specifically in the 2023 May Nurse Licensure Examination where PLM College of Nursing garnered [a] 100% [passing rate] and ranked number one as [the] top performing school… With no less than fifteen in the top ten, it was a record high,” she stated.

Soon after, the ceremony featured the Entrance of Florence Nightingale, portrayed by PLM alumna Diana Marie Isla. 

University President, Atty. Domingo Reyes Jr. gave his reflection on the resilience of the healthcare workers during and after the pandemic. He highlighted the demands of the nursing profession, calling it a service that is “not time-bounded, without rest.” 

Pres. Reyes ended his speech, expressing pride for his students: “Our nurses, especially in PLM, [are] not only our gift to the nation. Our PLM nurses [are] our gift to the world—our gift to humanity.”

Students recited the Nightingales Pledge, led by Prof. Albina Garcia, affirming their commitment to ethical and compassionate nursing practices.

The evening concluded with a closing remark from the event’s Faculty Chairperson, Prof. Anielyne Penetrante, who expressed her gratitude for the collaborative efforts of everyone involved and overall success of the ceremony.

Representatives from partner hospitals: Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center, Ospital ng Tondo, and Ospital ng Sampaloc—were present in the event, showing support for the future health professionals.