he history of Butuan Doctors’ College started in 1968 when Dr. Manuel Estacio, conscious of the increasing health needs of the community, felt the call for expanding his old hospital, then the Emmanuel Hospital. Together with nine other doctors, he formed Butuan Doctors’ Hospi- tal, Inc., and constructed a 100-bed capacity hospital situ- ated in an 8,000 sq.m. lot that was inaugurated in October 1969.
Moved by the desire to contribute to the improvement of Nursing Education in the Philippines, Butuan Doctors’ Hospital Board of Directors opened the Butuan Doctors’ Hospital School of Nursing in Northern Mindanao. In June 26, 1971, the inauguration of the school was held offering a program of Graduate in Nursing with Ms. Paz De Leon as the first principal. Mrs. Purita R. Escobar took over as principal in 1974.
A transition from Graduate in Nursing to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing happened in 1976 and the school had their first batch of graduates for this Bachelor’s Degree in 1980. Several other programs were opened in the next few years, namely, a two-year Junior Secretarial in 1976, a one-year Health Aide and a two-year Medical Secretarial Program in 1977, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics in 1980, Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1981 and Midwifery in 1982.
With the addition of several program offerings and the consequent growth of the College, Dr. Victoria B. Estacio was then installed as President in June 1987 and Ma. Lourdes F. Estacio was designated as School Administra- tor. In 1991, Dr. Therese M. Estacio took over as School Administrator. The school continued to prosper within the next few years. The following programs were added: Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Associate in Radiologic Technology in 1993, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in 1995, and Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology in 1997. With all these health-related science programs, the school is the only one in the region with its own Level 2 base hospital that has allowed the students to apply their classroom learning into actual practice.
In the years 2003-2004, the new Victoria Building was constructed consisting of the Library with IT facility, Audio Visual Room, Canteen, Faculty Offices, Classrooms, Computer Laboratory, Science Laboratories and Guidance Of fice. In 2006-2007, the Multipurpose Gym was renovated into a two-storey building with classrooms, and offices.
In 2009, the school added Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management among its four-year pro gram offerings. The creation of fully-equipped laboratories for this program is one of its many assets. The newly built building, in 2019, along the main highway houses its laboratory and several new classrooms. With the increasing demands for skilled workers with Technical- Vocational Education in and out of the country, programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were then opened in the same year.
Currently, the college is offering the following: Food and Beverage Services NCII, Food and Beverage Services NCIII, Housekeeping NCII, Front Office Services NCII, Bartending NCII and Barista NCII. The College is also one of the few TESDA Assessment Centers for the region. Butuan Doctors’ College continues to be headed by Dr. Therese M. Estacio as the President. The school, operating as an intergenerational legacy, has a flat and lean administrative staff which makes her management responsive and dynamic-oriented. Currently, the School Programs offered are BSNursing, BS Medical Laboratory Science, BS Radiologic Technology and BS Hospitality Management and Diploma on Hospitality Services.
1968 Emmanuel Hospital owned by Dr. Manuel Estacio
1969 Inauguration of Butuan Doctors’ Hospital previously Emmanuel Hospital
June 26, 1971 Inauguration of Butuan Doctors’ Hospital School of Nursing
Miss Paz de Leon, the first Principal of Butuan Doctor’s Hospital School of Nursing offering Graduate in Nursing Degree
January 1974 Mrs. Purita Escobar served as the next Principal of BDHSN
1977 One year Health Aide and Medical Secretarial Degree were offered
1978 Recognition of Health Aide and Medical Secretarial degree
1980 BSN was recognized; Degrees in Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition and Dietetics were offered
1981 Bachelor of Science in Biology was offered
1982 Opening of two-year Midwifery degree was offered
1983 Recognition of Graduate in Midwifery
1984 Recognition of Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition and Dietetics
1985 Recognition of Bachelor of Science in Biology
1987 Installation of Dr. Victoria B. Estacio as President
1993 Opening of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and
Associate in Radiologic Technology
1995 Recognition of Associate in Radiologic Technology degree
1995 Offering a degree in Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
1997 Recognition of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree
1997 Offering a degree in Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology
1997 Offering of Master’s Degree in Nursing in consortium with Cebu State College
1999 Offering a Ladderized Associate in Health Science Education
2001 Offering of 6-month Caregiver course
2003–2004 Construction of New Victoria Building to include the new Library, Audio-visual Room, Faculty Room, Internet Room, Classrooms, Computer Room, Laboratory Room and Canteen
2005 Newly acquired Mini-Bus
2006 Began Masteral Classes at the Liceo de Cagayan University
2006 Construction of Conference/Accreditation Room
2006-2007 Multi-purpose gym major renovation, building of Speech Laboratory
2006 Newly acquired Computer System for Speech Laboratory (SANAKO)
2006 First Letter of Request for PAASCO visit by February 2007
2008 PAASCO Accredited Level 1 obtained
2012 Offering of Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
BDC aspires to develop purpose-driven professionals and is anchored on ethical values that strengthen capabilities to achieve excellence.
International BDC group started from the heart of every BDCian reaching out to comrades.
2007 – Virgina Beach, VA; 2010 Orlando, FL led by Bicbic Porio; 2012 Galveston, TX President Nestor Buranday, led by Elsa Caravajal ; 2014 Las Vegas, NV led by Jinggay Esguerra; 2016 Atlantic City, NJ led by Ellen Cosme; 2018 Bahamas Cruise led by Violeta West; 2020 Cancelled due to COVID; 2022 Las Vegas, NV Prsident Angela Harris, led by Jinggay Esguerra; 2024 Tampa, FL led by Mylyn Love Sinco
And now we are trying to reach BDC nurses and other graduates from all over the world to connect with us so we can celebrate our very own ALMA MATER – Butuan Doctors’ College.
Thanks to 2016-2018 Elected Officers: President: Violeta Yu West; Vice-President: Bernadine Sagusay Gonzales; Secretary: Charito Shetty; Treasurer: Charlita Linao Pacana; PRO: Sheila Maraganas who put together the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to meet the non-profit status of BDCNA. Click on the + sign after Articles and it will open up to the entire Articles and ByLaws.
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
ARTICLE I : NAME
The association shall be known as Butuan Doctors College Nurses Association. The official acronym shall be BDCNA, Inc.
ARTICLE II: MISSION STATEMENT
As an International organization, Butuan Doctors College Nurses Association (BDCNA) will preserve the positive image and welfare of its members in order to promote professional excellence.
ARTICLE III : GOALS
- To unite the BDC nurses from various institutions and specialties all across United States and other countries.
- To empower BDC nurses through engagement in various activities in Health Education, Clinical Competence, Nursing Leadership and Entrepreneural endeavors.
- To encourage development of BDC nurses through continuing education programs, participation in research, and networking with other allied health organizations.
- To actively participate in BDC programs that foster collaborations with other nurses who share a common interest of maintaining high academic standards.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in the association is a privilege and is contingent on compliance with the requirements as specified in the by-laws.
Section 2. Membership Qualifications
- A graduate of BDC.
- A person of good moral and social character in the State where he/she works.
- Any individual interested in fostering the goals and mission of the association.
Section 3. Membership Categories
A. Active Member – A graduate of BDC who has fully paid the yearly current dues.
B. Honorary Member – A Professional Registered Nurse to whom the honorary membership is conferred for valuable assistance towards the achievement of the goals and mission of the association. This includes retired nurses.
C. Auxiliary Member – Any individual who is interested in fostering the goals and mission of the association and approved by the Executive Board. This includes family members.
Section 4. Representation/Privileges
- Active members are eligible to hold elective office, serve on elected or appointed committees and exercise delegated power.
B. Honorary and auxiliary members shall have all the rights and privileges of active members except of holding an elected office. They have a voice and may serve as a resource in matters relevant to their expertise, but have no vote or delegated power.
C. Any BDCNA member is responsible and accountable to notify the association of any changes in their personal information
Section 5. Membership Dues
- Each member shall pay a nonrefundable annual membership fee to be determined by the general membership for each fiscal year, which shall begin on the first of August and end on the last day of July.
B. Each member may voluntarily terminate his or her membership by notifying in writing any of the incumbent officers.
C. In support of its mission and goals, the association may collect fees from members, solicit, and accept donations and may hold fundraising not contrary to law and public policy,
D. As a non-profit organization, no funds, tangible properties or any part thereof, or proceeds earned or derived therefrom shall benefit anyone connected with the association. Funds and properties collected or received for/or in behalf of the association shall belong to BDCNA and shall be used solely for the fulfillment of the mission and goals of the association.
Section 7. Ethical Standards/Disqualification of Members
By majority vote, the Executive Board may censure or expel a member for cause provided there was a due process hearing at which member was permitted to defend himself/herself. Any member maybe removed from the roster for:
A. A violation of the association’s by-laws and rule of conduct.
B. Act, errors and omission detrimental to the goal of the association
C. Failure and continuous refusal to pay membership dues.
D. Any member suspended and expelled may be re-instated by majority vote of the Executive Board after such member has submitted an application and paid current dues and assessments.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1. Executive Board
- The officers of the Butuan Doctors College Nurses Association shall be elected by the general membership and shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, an Auditor, a PRO, ten (10) elected Board Members and the Advisors who shall form the Executive Board.
- The Executive Board shall direct the business and activities of the association through August 31st of the second year.
C. The Executive Board shall serve for a term of two (2) years starting September 1st through August 31st of the second year.
Section 2. Duties of the Officers
A. The President
1. Presides all meetings of the association
2. Reports matters that affect the welfare of the association as a whole, and such matters that affect the interest, mission and goals of the association.
3. Appoints an interim replacement for the vacated office subject to confirmation by the Executive Board in the event of vacancies or when elected officers resign before the end of the term. Such appointment shall end when the successor is duly elected.
4. Appoints all committee officers and shall be an ex-officio member of every committee.
5. Terminates non-functioning committees with the approval of the Executive Board.
6. Serves as the Liaison Officer between the Philippines and International chapters.
B. Vice president
1. Performs the duties of the President in the absence or inability of the President to act.
2. Performs such other duties as may be delegated by the President or the Executive Board.
3. Sits on the Executive Board.
C. Secretary
1. Keeps the record books of the association including its Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. Such record show keep a current list of all members: voting and nonvoting. Such directories shall be available upon request.
2. Produce, collect, archive and a store all records of the association and to make an official handover of all records to the succeeding officers.
3. Inform each member as to the time and place of each meeting.
4. Keep the attendance records and minutes of each meeting.
5. Post the official minutes of the meeting at the website (when available).
6. Serve as a member of the executive board.
D. Treasurer
1. Collects, receives and accounts for all finances and properties that belong to the association.
2. Disburse funds with approval of the President. The treasurer and the President shall sign checks withdrawn for disbursement.
3. Reports all transactions doing the General Meeting.
4. Serves us member of the Executive Board.
5. Coordinates with the Certified Public Accountant in preparing and filing of the income tax.
6. Makes bank deposits in a timely manner and acts as Liaison with the financial institution.
E. Auditor
1. Ascertains that all financial records of the Association are audited annually by a professional Auditor or Certified Public Accountant.
2. Works with the Treasurer in preparing the income tax forms and finding it with the United States Internal Revenue Service.
F. PRO (Public Relations Officer)
- Maintain the association’s relationships with all members, students and faculty.
- Collaborate with all members and the Executive Board toward achievement of goals of the association.
- Design and execute promotional campaigns that involve direct communication with all the members and Executive Board.
- Coordinate association events to foster goodwill.
- Design public information campaigns to increase awareness about proposed events, and create informational materials for all members.
- Coordinate public events like exhibits and contests to promote benevolence.
G. Advisors
1. Shall consist of the past president from the preceding two years and non-nursing professionals whose qualifications and expertise benefit the association.
2. The appointment of the advisors other than the past president is approved by the Executive Board.
3. Serves as a resource person to the president for a period of two (2) years with a one-vote privilege as a group.
H. Executive Board Members
1. Establish major administrative policies governing BDCNA.
2. Provide for the expenditure, investment and for surveillance of BDCNA funds.
3. Create and dissolve councils and committees in accordance with these bylaws.
4. Consider for approval all fund raising projects prior to implementation.
5. Approve appointments made by the President.
Section 3. Removal from Office
A. Officers and members of the Executive Board and the committees may be subject to reprimand, censure, suspension or termination from office. Specific charges against an officer would be given after a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board for violating the bylaws of the association, misconduct or neglect of duty in office, absence in fifty percent (50%) of the regular meetings and/or any behavior injurious to the association.
No action shall be taken against any officer or member of the Executive Board in question until he/she has been advised of specific charges, given reasonable time to prepare a response and afforded a fair hearing process before the Executive Board. It is also the Executive Board’s responsibility to validate justification of reason/s or charges for removal from office.
B. The absence of officers and members of the Executive Board in fifty percent (50%) of the regular meeting shall be grounds for termination from office. The officer in question must sufficiently justify absences and validated by the Executive Board
C. An officer may be removed from office due to poor performance and unsatisfactory evaluation.
Section 4. Resignation
A. Resignation by an officers shall be in writing to the President and shall be acted upon by the Executive Board within thirty (30) days.
ARTICLE VI: NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The nomination of the candidates for officers shall be held at least six (6) months before the agreed reunion. It is open to active members
Section 2. The nominating committee shall be responsible for accepting nominations for each elective position, and identifying members who should receive ballots; proclaiming the winners of the election and mediating disputes arising from the election process (i.e. recount if necessary). Members of this committee are prohibited from actively campaigning for any particular candidate.
Section 3. To be qualified for nomination, each nominee must be a member in good standing and has paid full membership dues.
Section 4. Nominations shall close thirty (30) days before election ballots are mailed out. Nomination form will include an acceptance statement from the candidate for the stated position.
Section 5. Candidates shall win the majority vote and shall be announced by the presiding officer of the election. Voting should be done by ballot only.
Section 6. Active members shall receive one ballot. Votes shall be tallied by the Nominating Committee during a general membership meeting of said election year.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
Section 1. Executive Board Meeting
A. Meeting of the executive board shall begin with a quorum. A quorum will consist of fifty percent (50%) of the Executive Board plus one. If the number of officers does not present a quorum, alternatively, the President may convened the meeting unofficially. Any resolution approved at an unofficial meetings shall be in effect from the time of approval until amended or repealed on the next meeting.
B. The meeting of the executive board shall be once in a quarter.
C. The following shall be the order of the meeting.
1. Call to order understanding of the purpose of the meeting.
2. Reading the minutes of previous meeting.
3. Report of the committees.
4. Discussion of unfinished business.
5. Discussion of new business.
6. Adjournment.
Section 2. General Membership Meeting
A. A general membership meeting shall be held quarterly.
B. The time, place, and composition of the General Assembly Meeting shall be determined by the Executive Board.
C. The voting body of the General Assembly Meeting shall be as follows:
1. The Executive Board.
2. All active members registered at the meeting.
D. Each qualified folder is entitled to one vote.
E. A general membership meeting shall begin with a quorum. The quorum will consist of ten percent (10%) of active members defined in Article 4, Section 4, paragraph A
Section 3. Emergency Meeting
The President and/or the Vice-President may call an emergency meeting of the Executive Board for any purpose relating to the association deemed of such importance that its discussion can not be delayed until the next general membership meeting.
Section 4. Parliamentary Authority
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern the procedure meetings, and other aspects of the association’s activities in cases not covered by these bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
Section 1.
A. The association may establish tentative committees to assist in conducting its business and management to expedite an outcome soon enough to prevent delay.
B. The President shall appoint all chairpersons of each committee.
C. The chairperson shall appoint its own members subject to the confirmation of the president.
D. Any Executive Board Member shall be the chair of the standing committees.
Section 2. The standing committees of the Association shall be:
- Education and Research
B. Clinical Development
C. Nominating, Elections, Legislation and Bylaws
D. Projects
E. Socials and Fundraising
Section 3. Committee responsibilities shall be as follows:
A. Education and Research
1. Plans and implements educational programs to meet the identified needs of the members such as in-services focusing on new developments in clinical practice and also workshop seminars on current issues and challenges.
2. Acts as a resource in matters relevant to education, research and clinical practice
3. Obtain Continuing Education (CE) credits for members
4. Applies for appropriate grants to fund education and research projects.
B. Clinical Development
1. Plans and initiate clinical development programs to benefit membership.
2. Collaborates with other organizations and/or agencies in addressing and supporting clinical development both for alumni and BDC students.
3. Disseminates information regarding current and available clinical development programs.
C. Nominating, Elections, Legislation and Bylaws
1. Disseminates information regarding current issues and legislation proposal directly or indirectly affecting the members of the profession.
2. Collaborates with other organizations and agencies in addressing and supporting legislation that affects nursing and other BDC professionals.
3. Advises the President or presiding officer at all meetings in matters related to bylaws and parliamentary procedures.
4. Recommends revision of bylaws.
5. Prepares a list of the nominees supplemented by a written consent to serve an submits to the Executive Board for information and review.
6. Prepares and issues the official ballots.
7. Announces the election results and destroys the ballot upon approval or motion of the General Assembly.
- Projects
- To create an Alumni Balik-Turo by collaborating with CHED for continuing education, utilizing BDC graduates who are qualified to teach and share their expertise even through internet (you tube, etc.).
- To enhance the status of BDC to meet current educational standards locally and abroad.
- To help graduating students pass the NCLEX and other required examinations enabling them to travel and work in other countries.
- To create different subgroups based on location/countries of employment to ensure fulfillment of project #3.
- To obtain a property for vacationing BDCians to stay, meet and coordinate plans for completion of projects locally and abroad, i.e. timeshare, etc. This will be a property owned by BDCNA and available to be utilized by all BDCNA members.
- To jumpstart sending of Balikbayan boxes for the benefit of BDC to meet and even to the level of reaching beyond CHED requirements.
E. Socials and Fundraising
1. Implement activities that provide funding resources in order to accomplish the association’s goals and objectives.
2. Facilitates and coordinates Reunion every two years and other social activities organized by the association.
3. Set-up a committee to promote Filipino culture for the younger generation to learn and maintain. This can be shared/ through songs, dances, drama, cultural performances, etc.
ARTICLE IX: BYLAWS ADOPTION
Section 1. A majority of the vote by the Executive Board shall accept and approve these bylaws before they shall be considered adopted and effective.
Section 2. For purposes of approval of the bylaws, a majority vote is defined as two thirds (2/3) of the Executive Board members present at the meeting.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws of the association may be amended at any quarterly meeting or special meeting duly called for such purpose by a majority vote of the voting members present at such meeting. The members should be notified not less than ten (10) days about such meeting. A written proposed amendment signed by at least three (3) voting members may be submitted to the Executive Board who shall present the proposed changes to the membership at the next meeting.
The bylaws shall become effective as soon as approved by the members.
ARTICLE XI: FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the association shall run from the first day of September to the last date of the following August.
ARTICLE XII: OFFICIAL ADDRESS, PLACE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLICATION
Section 1. The official address and physical location of business will be the current President’s designated address or as established by the Executive Board
Section 2. The official websites of the association is BUTUAN DOCTORS College Nurses Association.com
Section 3. The official publication of the association is BDCNA Journal.
ARTICLE XIII: DISSOLUTION
Section 1. If for any reason, this Association is to be dissolved, or ceases to exist, membership shall be notified., and approval obtained by two thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present and voting in a General Assembly, thirty (30) days prior to dissolution.
Section 2. Its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the provision of section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code all corresponding section of any future federal, state, or local government for public purpose.
Section 3. Any assets not so disposed shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusive for such purpose.