In a groundbreaking fusion of academic rigor and real-world emergency response, the Wesleyan University – Philippines (WUP) College of Nursing concluded Project B.S.N. (Basic Survival Nursing) 2026 on March 16, which served as a massive simulation for the Disaster Preparedness Course, marked the first time a university in the region has integrated mandatory safety drills with high-level medical rescue operations.

Strategic Planning and Presidential Support

The initiative began at the start of the school year when the Dean of the College of Nursing, Carissa Juliana R. Balaria, presented the ambitious concept to the University President, Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr. Recognizing the vital importance of disaster resilience, Dr. Alvaro immediately supported the endeavor, providing the green light for a university-wide mobilization.

The project was executed through the close collaboration of the University Administration, led by VPAA Dr. Wilfredo Ramos, VPAP Dr. Gladys Mangiduyos, VPAF Dr. Marites Castañeda, all of whom emphasized the professional readiness required for such a noble undertaking.

A University-Wide Safety Mandate

In compliance with RA 10121, which mandates earthquake and fire drill implementations in educational institutions, the College of Nursing collaborated with the University Crisis Management Committee (CMC) chaired by Sir Renato Salvador, to orchestrate a three-part disaster program:

1. Mass Evacuation: A university-wide earthquake drill that saw a total of 2,733 individuals successfully execute the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” protocol and evacuate to safety, assisted by the CMC, ICT, and assigned building managers.
2. High-Angle Rescue: A collaborative fire rescue demonstration with the College of Criminal Justice Education under Dean Mercinario Santos.
3. Mass Casualty Simulation: While the general student body returned to class, 399 BSN Level 4 students—divided into Team Alpha and Team Bravo—performed immediate post-disaster rescue operations.

The event was a technological feat. Through the support of Mayor Myca Elizabeth R. Vergara, an LED Truck provided live footage, while LENS CAB captured the simultaneous rescues via drone and live-action shots. The University Public Information Office, with the ICT Office, ensured the community remained informed throughout the day.

Realism in Action

To ensure clinical accuracy, the core planning committee—composed of Dean Balaria, BSN 4 Level Coordinator Prof. Vanessa Reyes, and faculty members Prof. Mariprincess Lyn Balaria, Renato Balaria Jr., Gerald Christofer Garcia, Justin Lex Domingo, and Gabriel Edward Enriquez—designed the simulation. During the actual event, they were assisted by Prof. Daryll Jay Miralles, Prof. Jianna Diaz, and Prof. John Mathew Mendoza, alongside the Level 4 RLE Team.

Realism was further enhanced by WUP’s theater group, TELON, who portrayed victims, supported by the CON Local Council, Red Cross Youth Council, SINAG, and Impulse. A prestigious panel of judges provided glowing feedback:

• FCINSP Leocerio D. Barayuga III (City Fire Marshal, Palayan)
• SINSP Julius R. Mangrubang (Chief SRF Nueva Ecija / Municipal Fire Marshal, Talavera)
• Guillene Garcia (LDRRMO IV, Cabanatuan)
• John Sumaway (Legion Representative)

High Praise and Expert Feedback
The evaluating organizations expressed immense satisfaction, noting that while the presentations were “almost too perfect,” the realism was unparalleled. They specifically lauded the College of Nursing for going beyond the standard “duck, cover, and hold” to conduct actual, large-scale rescue simulations—a first for any university they have witnessed.

The VPAA and VPAP of Wesleyan emphasized the importance of readiness and presence of mind, commending Dean Balaria and the faculty for this noble endeavor.

The Dean’s Charge: Four Years in the Making

Closing the event, Dean Carissa Juliana R. Balaria issued a powerful commendation to both Team Alpha and Team Bravo. She emphasized that WUP has been preparing these students for this exact moment for four years, and today, that education reached its fruition in the field.

“You are ready; you are prepared,” Dean Balaria stated, highlighting that the students are now equipped to put their years of learning into action when faced with actual scenarios. She expressed her hope that the students felt the weight of their readiness and prayed that they truly appreciated the rationale behind the activity—ensuring they know exactly what to do when lives are on the line.

Article and photos courtesy of Carissa Juliana Balaria