BAGUIO CITY – The College of Respiratory Therapy of Pines City Colleges (PCC) officially opened Respiratory Therapy Week on November 18 to 21,2025, at the RT Lounge, Main Building, marking a unified celebration dedicated to lung health, disease awareness, and the indispensable role of respiratory therapists in patient care. This year’s observance highlighted the importance of balancing academic excellence with creativity, physical wellness, teamwork, and community engagement-reflecting the multifaceted role of respiratory therapists in real-world patient care.
This year’s celebration also featured a series of interactive and holistic activities, including the much-anticipated Amazing Race, where students navigated challenges inspired by COPD Awareness Week and Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Alongside this, the week showcased creative and academic competitions such as theme making, poster making, tiktok making, meme making, a quiz bee and COPD education, all designed to deepen student’s understanding of respiratory care while encouraging artistic expression, critical thinking, and collaboration. Each station and activity highlighted key concepts in early detection, prevention, and patient education-transforming learning into an engaging, team-based experience that strengthened both knowledge and camaraderie.
This year’s observance carried the inspiring theme: “Respiratory Therapists: Breathing Life into Every Heartbeat, With Hands That Heal and Hearts That Care.” A message that reflects the profession’s commitment to compassion, expertise, and unwavering service to patients who depend on every breath for survival.
The event became even more meaningful as Respiratory Therapy Week was celebrated alongside COPD Awareness Week and Lung Cancer Awareness Week. Together, these advocacies emphasized prevention, early detection, and community education-core principles that align with the annual celebration held every 3rd week of November.
The program opened with a warm welcome to students and faculty, acknowledging their collective mission to strengthen respiratory health awareness. The College of Respiratory Therapy’s respected Dean, Rinaliza P. Bogsulen, delivered the opening remarks and presented the rationale of the program. She emphasized the growing relevance of respiratory therapists amid increasing cases of COPD, lung cancer, and other chronic respiratory illnesses. She also highlighted the need for future RTs to uphold both clinical excellence and heartfelt compassion-values embodied in this year’s theme.
The ceremonial ribbon cutting followed, officially marking the beginning of a week-long series of demonstrations, activities, and educational sessions. Throughout the week, RT students and faculty guided the participants through hands-on learning such as airway management, pulmonary function testing, and discussions on lung disease prevention, COPD management, smoking cessation, and the impact of lung cancer.
These activities aim to deepen understanding and inspire students to pursue fulfilling careers in the respiratory care profession. The event concluded with closing remarks and awarding of winners from the faculty, arts adviser and arts president expressing gratitude to everyone involved and encouraging continued dedication to patient-centered care and community advocacy.
Through this united celebration, PCC not only honored Respiratory Therapy Week but also strengthened its knowledge about lung health, empowering future practitioners, and reminding the community of one profound truth-respiratory therapists breathe life into every heartbeat, with hands that heal and hearts that care. #Michiko Ramirez (RT)
