PNAA members return to the Philippines for the first time since pandemic

THE Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) and the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation (PNAAF) returned to the Philippines for the first time since the pandemic for their 6th International Collaborative Conference in Vigan, Ilocos Sur last January 21 and 22.

With the theme, “2023: Moving Forward with Innovations, Opportunities, and Successes,” global nurse leaders, local nurses and nursing students exchanged their inspirational stories and experiences during the conference.

Promoting resilience, compassion, and nursing excellence, the symposium covered diverse topics in healthcare, leadership, nursing practice, competency, education, and entrepreneurship with the aim of maintaining the high morale of aspiring professionals despite the predicaments brought about by the pandemic.

PNAAF President Nancy Hoff expressed her enthusiasm for the success of the event.

“In All Out Sundays (on GMA), we do comedy skits, musical din yun, and I really enjoy it. And so I hope I get to do a lengthy musical, na medyo legit ganun. I really want to do something like Gypsy Rose. It will require a lot of training, I know. But ‘di naman masama mangarap because you ask.”

However, Eugene is not that willing to take on another drama a la Barber’s Tales.

“To be honest, hindi! Hahaha! Ayoko na mag-drama, ang hirap-hirap. I can do it because I’m an actor but if you ask me now, and you let me choose between comedy, musical and drama, and then ‘pag drama, kasama mo yung the best dramatic actors in the country, dun nalang ako comedy and sa musical. Ang hirap talaga mag-drama,” she honestly said.

But, Eugene reiterated, “I’m glad I made it — Barber’s Tales. And I’m very thankful for it. If not for Barber’s Tales, I would not have met Danilo. Exactly yun talaga ang pinakareward dun.” g

“Our sincerest gratitude to Governor Singson who provided the conference venue and hosted the cultural night dinner; our deepest appreciation for the hard work of the planning leaders of UNP CON, PNA Ilocos Sur, the PNAA Foundation, and their team members whose strength and collaborative efforts made it happen. The excellence and passion of the speakers who shared their knowledge and experiences were well received by the engaged conference participants. Thank you, GMA for capturing all these in photos and videos, and for many to see,” she said.

The collaborative efforts of the involved institutions were also commended by PNAAF Public Relations Committee Chair Colonel (Retired) Bob Gahol.

“The collaboration between the PNAA Foundation, the University of Northern Philippines, and the PNA Ilocos Sur exemplified the true meaning of the “Bayanihan spirit. Many thanks to GMA for sharing this event with the entire Philippines and the world,” he said.

Aside from the conference, The Philippine Nurses Association of Metropolitan DC also successfully turned over Health Hub and 10 toilets and baths to the Aetas of Castillejos, Zambales through their Healthy Aetas Community project.

The turnover ceremony was attended by more than 300 Aetas, representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous People, tribal leaders, catechists, and other guests. The Health Hub is a response to address the lack of sanitary human waste disposal in the community.

PNAA and PNAAF officers also had the chance to visit GMA Network and was welcomed by GMA International First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia and GMA International Marketing Director Beth C. De Guzman.

“We continue to honor the invaluable role Global Pinoy nurses play in American society. We are pleased to refresh our partnership with the PNAA in support of their meaningful projects for their members and for their target beneficiaries in the US and in the Philippines,” Francia said. (GMA Pinoy TV) g