NURSING students from Silliman University earned national recognition at the 14th International Conference of Nurses in Cebu City, where one team won Second Place for Best Paper for a study on community-based mental health care.

The award-winning paper, titled “Primary Healthcare Workers’ Awareness, Challenges, Aspirations, and Recommendations in Providing Mental Health-Related Care in a Local Barangay of Dumaguete City”, examined the awareness, challenges, and recommendations of primary healthcare workers in providing mental health services, highlighting gaps in community mental health support.

Shekinah L. Bernasor, Precious May I. Olpos, and Keenna P. Yonzon, advised by Dr. Freslyn Lim-Saco, also presented research on the lived experiences of new graduate nurses transitioning to practice following online nursing education during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Sarah Ahmed Yousef Kandeel B. El-Hadad, with Mhej T. Santos and advised by Dr. Bustillo, delivered a podium presentation on the lived experiences of gay older adults in Negros Oriental, addressing issues of aging, identity, and access to care.

The conference gathered nursing professionals, scholars, and students from the Philippines and abroad, with Silliman represented by 11 student researchers led by College of Nursing Dean Dr. Theorose June Q. Bustillo.

In addition to student achievements, Bustillo received a certificate of recognition on behalf of Silliman University as a co-host of the conference, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to research-driven and socially responsive nursing leadership.

Centered on the theme of advancing sustainable and evidence-based nursing practice, the conference highlighted the role of research and innovation in strengthening healthcare systems and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.