On October 23 at the Notre Dame Senior High School Covered Court, the most awaited event for the class Acies Fortissima commenced as the 31st Cap, Badge and Candlelight Ceremony, with the theme: “Nurses: A Voice To Lead – A Vision for Future Health Care” began despite the delays due to the pandemic.
The processional of the administrators and staff, followed by the 123 candidates of Class Acies Fortissima’. After the prayer and singing of the National Anthem, Dr. Fatima I. Abubakar, chairperson of the Health and Sciences Department, gave her welcome address and emphasized the strength and courage displayed by the batch despite the many obstacles the pandemic had thrown along the way. This was followed by the acceptance of the candidates by College President, Fr. Eduardo M. Santoyo OMI, PhD, and then begun the capping and badging ceremony. Following this was the Candlelight ceremony, which consisted of the nurses’ pledge to heed their calling, led by Ms. Rowida S. Rosil. It was after this solemn oath that their voices resonated throughout the court as they sang “Next in Line” and the PNA Hymn. The college president then gave his inspirational message to the students to be the voice of the sick and needy, and serve those in pain. A message of gratitude was given by Mr. Alnadzmer T. Sahid, which was then followed by the group pictorial.
In an interview with the HSD Chairperson, Dr. Abubakar, where she was asked about what is the significance of the ceremony in the development of the nursing students, she replied, “Well, if the student would already be able to receive this cap, meaning to say, she would already handle the responsibility of being a nurse. She would be able to proceed with the procedures of nursing practice, like for example, the things you have been doing; injection and so many others. Then afterwards while finishing second year, then you can receive your cap. But in this case, it was extended, well, because of COVID, but Alhamdulillah. At least you had received.” She was thankful for the privilege as head of the HSD.
