NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental — The Misamis Oriental provincial government has provided financial assistance to the first-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students at Mindanao State University in Naawan (MSU-Naawan).

The support aims to help cover tuition and other educational expenses, ensuring students are equipped to pursue their nursing education.

Prynz Jan C. Gapatan of Barangay Poblacion, Naawan, said he wanted to pursue a career in nursing and is now able to do so through the program at MSU Naawan.

“Sukad sa akong pagkabata, gusto gyud ko mo pursue sa medical field, especially the nursing profession. Pagkahibalo nako nga nagoffer ang MSU Naawan og kurso sa nursing, which is unay na kaayo ko kay taga-Naawan ra man ko, nagpasalamat gyud ko,” Gapatan said.

(Since childhood, I have really wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, especially in nursing. When I learned that MSU Naawan offers a nursing program, I felt fortunate because I’m from Naawan. I am truly grateful.)

Charlotte F. Montero of Barangay Baluarte, Tagoloan, said she has long dreamed of becoming a nurse and is grateful to the Iskolar Ko Ng Bayan (IKNB) program of the provincial government for supporting her and her classmates.

Shaina Santos from Poblacion, El Salvador City, also expressed her gratitude for the program, saying it supports her in pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. “The only goal is to maintain our grade,” she said.

In March, the provincial government handed over P6 million to MSU Naawan Chancellor Elnor Roa for the nursing program for the school year 2025–2026.

“It’s our collaboration with MSU Naawan, naghatag ta og P6 million as support for faculty expenses, and this year nagdugang na pud ta og another P6 million para sa atong mga nursing students,” said Governor Peter Unabia.

(It’s our collaboration with MSU Naawan. We provided P6 million in support for faculty expenses, and this year we have added another P6 million for our nursing students.)

The BSN program at MSU Naawan, offered under the MSU Marawi extension, began this school year with 73 first-year students.

Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy | PIA-10

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