February 2026 Honoree
Rochie C Cagara, Asst. Prof.
Walking into the community with Ma’am Rochie Cagara never felt intimidating. Instead, it felt reassuring—like being guided by someone who knew exactly where she was going and why. From the very first day of duty, her presence brought comfort. She has a calm voice and a gentle smile that keeps us going, no matter how hectic the schedule, reminding us that we are here not because we are good nurses, but because we want to learn to be good
nurses.
Known to us as our proclaimed “Mother of Community Health Nursing,” Ma’am Cagara shows us how to truly see the person behind every interaction. She treats everyone with equal respect—patients, families, and even strangers she meets along the way. One classmate recalled riding a pedicab with her to the market. In a simple, unexpected act of kindness, Ma’am paid for the ride all the way to the terminal, even though she was not under her care at the time. It was a small gesture, but it revealed who she truly is— very down to earth and always guided by genuine love and concern for others.
Through her guidance, we learned that health goes beyond procedures and checklists. During ward classes and return demonstrations, she went beyond the manual, sharing practical techniques and safer alternatives drawn from real-life experience. We remember her for how she was hands-on during return demonstrations and how she emphasized being
serious when discussing matters of life and health. When a client of our classmate passed away, she accompanied them to the wake, teaching us that nursing care continues even in moments of loss.
Ma’am Cagara also helped us understand how the environment shapes health. She encouraged us to look beyond first impressions and understand families within their circumstances. When my classmate was unexpectedly left alone during community duty, Ma’am stayed with her the whole time, patiently guiding and reassuring her in a situation
that felt overwhelming and unsafe for a student to face alone, until duty ended.
Her nursing practice reflects holistic, Christian service. She trusts our abilities while staying present, lets us make decisions, and corrects mistakes calmly. We see her as approachable and understanding, someone who creates a safe space for learning. To many of us, she is more than a clinical instructor—she truly feels like a mother.
Ma’am Rochie Cagara does not simply teach Community Health Nursing. She lives it. As our Mother of Community Health Nursing, she nurtures not only competent nurses, but compassionate servants—rooted in faith, humility, and love for the community
nurses.
Known to us as our proclaimed “Mother of Community Health Nursing,” Ma’am Cagara shows us how to truly see the person behind every interaction. She treats everyone with equal respect—patients, families, and even strangers she meets along the way. One classmate recalled riding a pedicab with her to the market. In a simple, unexpected act of kindness, Ma’am paid for the ride all the way to the terminal, even though she was not under her care at the time. It was a small gesture, but it revealed who she truly is— very down to earth and always guided by genuine love and concern for others.
Through her guidance, we learned that health goes beyond procedures and checklists. During ward classes and return demonstrations, she went beyond the manual, sharing practical techniques and safer alternatives drawn from real-life experience. We remember her for how she was hands-on during return demonstrations and how she emphasized being
serious when discussing matters of life and health. When a client of our classmate passed away, she accompanied them to the wake, teaching us that nursing care continues even in moments of loss.
Ma’am Cagara also helped us understand how the environment shapes health. She encouraged us to look beyond first impressions and understand families within their circumstances. When my classmate was unexpectedly left alone during community duty, Ma’am stayed with her the whole time, patiently guiding and reassuring her in a situation
that felt overwhelming and unsafe for a student to face alone, until duty ended.
Her nursing practice reflects holistic, Christian service. She trusts our abilities while staying present, lets us make decisions, and corrects mistakes calmly. We see her as approachable and understanding, someone who creates a safe space for learning. To many of us, she is more than a clinical instructor—she truly feels like a mother.
Ma’am Rochie Cagara does not simply teach Community Health Nursing. She lives it. As our Mother of Community Health Nursing, she nurtures not only competent nurses, but compassionate servants—rooted in faith, humility, and love for the community
Thank you, Rochie C, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees