University of Luzon CONM Spearheads the 1st B.A.N.G.U.S. Nursing Research Congress 2026
Posted on 23rd of Sep 2026 by UL Administrator
Nursing research opened meaningful opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional growth during the 1st B.A.N.G.U.S. Nursing Research Congress 2026, an academic gathering spearheaded by the University of Luzon through the College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Held on August 3 and 4, 2026, at the Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City, the two-day congress brought together nursing educators, healthcare professionals, researchers, and students for discussions and presentations focused on nursing scholarship, leadership, practice, and research.
The opening program featured welcome remarks from University President Dr. Luis “Chito” Samson, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Pearl Ed Cuevas on research leadership. Prof. John Norman Rodriguez served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding the opening activities and succeeding sessions.
The first day also featured plenary discussions on different aspects of nursing growth. Dr. Jerome Cleofas discussed “Building Nursing Growth (Scholarship),” while Dr. Ayesha C. Penuela focused on “Building Nursing Growth (Understanding).” These sessions were followed by professional and student research presentations, including podium presentations, poster presentations, and the Student Category 3-Minute Pitch.
The second day continued with discussions on other areas of nursing development. Mrs. Maria Paz S. Santos presented “Building Nursing Growth (Leadership),” while Mr. Aires Ervin P. Gelido discussed “Building Nursing Growth (Practice).” Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua also delivered a message on behalf of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.
A panel discussion further encouraged the exchange of ideas among participants, featuring Mr. Mark Edward Liberato, Mr. Cecil Cuison, Dr. Leyland De Guzman, and Dr. Noriel Calaguas. Ma’am Kristine Bustillo and Ma’am Marienne Bauzon served as moderators, with the session also including an interactive question-and-answer portion.
The congress also recognized the research presentations of University of Luzon representatives. Monica Claire Zabala received the Professional Category Podium Presentation award, while Ralph Zen Francisco earned first place in the Student Category Poster Presentation.
The program concluded with an Endnote Address from Dr. Jordan H. Llego, who emphasized the role of nursing research in patient outcomes and professional growth. Ms. Jane Marffy C. Llamas delivered the closing remarks, bringing the two-day gathering to a close.
The congress was made possible through the leadership of ULCONM Dean Dr. Jordan H. Llego, together with the GSPNRI–University of Luzon Chapter, the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing, Inc., and Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation. Their collaboration provided a venue for professional education, scholarly exchange, and research development among participants from different institutions.
Research gatherings create spaces where knowledge, skills, and collaboration grow together. The congress advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by promoting research that supports human health and evidence-informed care; SDG 4: Quality Education through professional education, scholarly exchange, and lifelong learning opportunities; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through research development and innovation in nursing scholarship; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals is advanced through collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and research organizations.
