BukSU Nursing hosts international and regional conferences; officially launches COIL Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing course

The Bukidnon State University (BukSU) College of Nursing hosted the 1st International Conference and 5^th BukSU College of Nursing Students Research Colloquium 2026 on April 8, 2026, at the main campus and officially launched its COIL Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing course on April 14, 2026.

“The conference aimed to foster a research culture among students, for scholarly exchange, and equip nursing students with the critical skills necessary to compete in regional health research competitions,” Dr. Algerica T. Cuenco, CON Dean, said.

The colloquium featured oral and poster research presentations by Level IV nursing students. They were evaluated on their research communication competencies, specifically identified as key learning outcomes for the activity.

A total of 218 student participants and 49 faculty and staff members attended the colloquium, which is designed to align with BukSU’s Strategic Development Plan by producing research leaders capable of driving innovation.

The activity concluded with recognition of outstanding achievements in various categories, including Best Oral Paper, Best Poster, Best Presenter, People’s Choice Award, Special citations for Most Innovative and Best Community Impact.

In a move toward international collaboration, BukSU launched its Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program in the Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing course with Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW) Fakultas Ilmu Kesehatan on April 14, 2026.

The launching activity was held at the BukSU Mini Theater and conducted synchronously through Zoom with the partner institution in Indonesia, reflecting BukSU CON’s continuing commitment to internationalization and globally connected nursing education. The program officially brought together the two institutions for a shared academic undertaking in psychiatric and mental health nursing.

The launching program gathered university officials, nursing leaders, faculty members, and students from both Bukidnon State University and UKSW.

In her message, BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol affirmed the collaboration between the BukSU College of Nursing and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana as a meaningful step toward strengthening global academic engagement.

Mirasol further said that, in nursing, care is both scientific and deeply human. She noted that the COIL initiative gives students opportunities to examine diverse health systems, understand community health contexts, and appreciate the social and cultural dimensions of care.

“Through the program, students and faculty are able to learn across contexts, exchange knowledge, and strengthen clinical reasoning, cultural competence, and collaboration skills needed to address complex health concerns,” she added.

She also emphasized that the initiative advances the University’s internationalization agenda, strengthens academic partnerships within the ASEAN region, and supports the preparation of nursing graduates who are responsive, ethical, and capable of delivering quality care in diverse settings.

The program also included the Rector’s Time of Prof. Dr. Intiyas Utami, S.E., M.Si., and inspirational messages from Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs of BukSU, and Prof. Yafet Yosafet Wilben Rissy, S.H., M.Si., LLM, Ph.D. (AFHEA), Vice Rector for Cooperation of UKSW. The presentation of the learning plan and the COIL collaborative module was led by Ns. Desi, S. Kep., MSN., Sp. Kep, J of UKSW, and Ms. Mariz Rochelle C. Sedon, RN, MAN of BukSU CON. The activity concluded with a statement of commitment from both institutions and closing remarks by Dr. Fatima C. Tanzo, Department Head of the BukSU College of Nursing. (Dr. Lharra Mae C. Postrano/ Faculty and Chair, CON IALU Coordinator)