VIGAN CITY (August 22) — Deans of the College of Nursing and College of Health Sciences of the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) deny the allegations on their receipt of leakage materials days before the Nursing Board Examinations.

Prof. Brigida De Leon, Dean of the College of Nursing-UNP, denied attendance at the controversial orientation at SM Manila. “We vehemently deny that we received materials during the final coaching at SM Manila,” she told Nordis in an interview.

De Leon said they have already clarified the issue at the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) and at the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPNC). She also noted that the UNP President Dr. Lauro Tacbas already briefed the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) to clear the issues.

Dr. Larguita Reotutar, Associate Dean for Allied Health Courses at the College of Health Sciences-UNP, asserted that they were at the UNP during the conduct of the final coaching (at SM Manila). “We could honestly say that we have no involvement there. I was here (at the UNP), so how could they say that we were there and received the materials?” Reotutar said.
Reotutar also said that they were stunned that the UNP is one of the 22 schools presented at the PRC, as there were no names presented at the Board Meeting of the ADPNC.

Passing Rate

“This batch of our graduates is good. We have produced two Magna cum laude’s, seven cum laude’s and 55 diligent students, so I am confident that they will make it in the Board Exams,” De Leon said.

The UNP-College of Nursing had a passing rate of 61% this year, including a Board 10th placer. Conversely, its College of Health Sciences had a passing rate of 12%.

No re-take

“Re-taking the exam is not the solution. We believe that they’ve done their best so why would we endorse such?” Reotutar explained. Also, De Leon defended that their students who worked hard to pass the Board are primarily victims.

The two deans expressed worry on the scam’s impact to the international community and the alleged blacklisting of the UNP nursing batch this year.

However, De Leon said, “The investigation is on-going. Whatever the court says, we are willing to call on our graduates and follow the decision.” She also hoped that this incident would not happen again.

Reotutar concluded, “What we need is to restore the lost integrity of the profession (nursing).” # Ma. Criselda Diocena and Edmar Guquib/Tandem via NORDIS