The Extension School of Naga College Foundation, Inc. (NCF) accelerated its mission to deliver world-class healthcare education and countryside development as it officially expanded its healthcare training footprint through the localized deployment of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at the Sta. Elena District Hospital.
Powered by an addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte and NCF, the expansion marks the establishment of the third CNA training branch in the province of Camarines Norte, successfully scaling the program’s provincial reach following its operational deployments in the municipalities of Daet and Labo propelled by the initial MOA sealed in May 2024.
This latest expansion effectively bridges the gap between clinical theory and institutional medical needs in the border municipalities of the Bicol region.
By virtue of a mutual understanding, Mr. Mario C. Villanueva, NCF President; Mr. Melvin Del Puerto, NCF Extension School Administrator and NCF Trustee; and Hon. Ricarte R. Padilla, Camarines Norte Governor, viewed the augmentation of training sites in the province as a proactive response to the growing demand for specialized medical support personnel in provincial healthcare systems.
NCF originally launched the CNA program in 2022 through the initiative of Mr. Del Puerto, who introduced the course as an Education Extension Program (EEP) to the NCF Board of Trustees.
Notably, NCF stands as the first and only academic institution in the Philippines to offer a CNA program patterned after healthcare practices in the United States, further solidifying its role as a trailblazer in health-allied education.
Characterized by its unique combination of nursing and caregiving competencies—accessible even to individuals without a college degree—the program continues to grow exponentially.
With the addition of this third training site in Camarines Norte, NCF now operates seven learning centers located in Naga, Sorsogon, Las Piñas, Labo, Daet, and Sta. Elena.
To date, the program has produced hundreds of certified professionals currently employed in health centers and hospitals across the country.