By: Aliahcorr Balanon
photo courtesy of Kyla Anne Velasco
Graduates from the Colegio's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) program achieved a 100% passing rate on their first attempt at the 2024 Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Exam (NDLE), according to the results released on Nov. 12.
3 of 4 Batch 2024 graduates of the Nutrition and Dietetics program took the NDLE 2024 and passed the licensure exam on their first try, namely Bianca Nicole Estrella, RND, Abigail Fantolgo, RND, and Kyla Anne Velasco, RND.
The Colegio supported the examinees by offering supplemental classes and pre-board exams following their internship to refresh their knowledge and prepare them for the upcoming licensure exam.
Philippine Association of Nutrition Psi Gamma Chapter (PAN-Psi Gamma), the Recognized Student Organization (RSO) of the Nutrition and Dietetics program also actively assists students in preparation for NDLE.
In an exclusive interview with The LANCE, Regis Bernadin J. Narcise, President of PAN-Psi Gamma, shared that the organization arranged several events to support students, including a white coat ceremony, where alumni speakers were invited to offer advice and share inspirational messages to motivate the students.
Following their successful NDLE journey, board passers Estrella, Fantolgo, and Velasco offered valuable advice to current Letran students aspiring to become Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians.
“Ngayon pa lang saksak niyo na sa isip niyo yung mga pinag-aralan niyo. More on basics talaga, kasi dun din yung naging kulang ko." Estrella shared.
Fantolgo urged students to seek help from professors and seniors, underscoring the importance of prayer and self-belief: “Malakas talaga ang prayer, I’ll include you guys in mine.”
Meanwhile, Velasco stressed finding suitable study habits and prioritizing mental health and self-care, advising, “Syempre as an ND na rin, don’t forget to eat well and to have enough sleep. Lastly, rest!"
Current landscape of Letran Nutrition and Dietetics
Despite the challenges posed by a small student population in the Nutrition and Dietetics program, PAN-Psi Gamma actively promotes their organization through social media partnering with other RSOs in the Colegio to enhance their visibility and attract future students.
“They can also expect that we can only have a small number of members but that can also mean that we can be drawn closer to each other where students from first to fourth year have interactions and foster both academic and professional growth,” Narcise said.
The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA), spearheaded by the Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (BSND) program is also hosting a Nutrition Counseling Drive where it will launch the new Letran Nutrition Clinic.
The clinic aims to serve its students and the Letran community by offering quality nutrition services, including assessments, counseling, and education.
Additionally, it functions as a training platform for BSND students to apply their practical skills learned in nutrition-related courses.
The PAN-Psi Gamma is actively involved in preparing for the upcoming Nutrition Clinic, believing that the clinic will benefit their program, as Narcise stated: "Members are involved in the clinic's preparation, which supports future activities within the Letran community. With improved equipment and a setup conducive to nutrition counseling, we anticipate offering programs to promote the health and wellness of fellow Letranites."
The Nutrition Counseling Drive and the launch of the Letran Clinic will commence on Nov. 26 to Nov. 29 at the Nutrition and Dietetics Laboratory.