PRESS RELEASE
WDC-87-2024
05 November 2024
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA), co-hosted the 2024 “Pagdiriwang ng Kahusayan” (Celebration of Excellence) at the Embassy’s Quezon Hall on 31 October 2024, to honor the Filipino inductees set to join the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) as Fellows, Class of 2024.
The six Filipino inductees are: 1) Ms. Ninotchka Brydges PhD, DNP, MBA, APRN, ACNP-BC, FNAP; 2) Ms. Meriam Caboral-Stevens, PhD, RN, NP; 3) Ms. Eileen J. Carter, PhD, RN; 4) Ms. Mary Dioise Ramos, PhD, RN, CNE; 5) Mr. Reimund Serafica, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FTNSS, CNE; and. 6) Mr. Franz A. Vergara, DNP, PhD, MAS, RN, CENP, CCM, ONC. They will join over 3,000 esteemed fellows in the Academy, representing the nursing profession’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, clinical practice, and academia.
Second Secretary and Consul Mark Dominic Lim delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. He highlighted the pivotal role of Filipino nurses in Philippine-American relations, stating, “From the early 20th century, when the first wave of Filipino nurses began arriving in the U.S., to the present day, Filipino nurses have been essential contributors not only to the healthcare system but to the very fabric of American society. Your presence in American hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across the country has been one of the constant beacons signifying the importance of shared commitment and united collaboration between our two countries. Moreover, you highlight the Philippines’ mark of excellence, compassion, and resilience.”
President and CEO of the Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Ms. Juliet K. Choi, opened the ceremony by addressing the Filipino inductees and the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) with confidence and encouragement: “I so fervently believe in your incredible voice. You are amazing healthcare practitioners and leaders. You also have an incredible and important political voice here in the United States, and I firmly believe that we need to hear more from you…You have my absolute commitment that whatever helps you continue to put the spotlight on you, we absolutely will.”
Dr. Kenneth White, immediate past president of the American Academy of Nursing, spoke next, underscoring the impact of Filipino and Filipino American nurses in the United States. “Without Filipino American and Filipino nurses, we would be in a real bind in the United States,” he affirmed. “It’s about time that everyone knows the importance of the history of how Filipino nurses have helped shape our nursing profession in America.” Dr. White went on to share how he was personally inspired to pursue nursing after observing the dedication of Filipino nurses, who, he noted, see nursing as a vocation and a calling. “The compassion and love and kindness is at the root of the care that’s given to everyone, regardless. It is a value that’s shared, I know, by all of you,” he added.
The program concluded with a toast led by PNAA President Dr. Marlon Saria, honoring the fellows and celebrating their remarkable achievements. “As you step into this new chapter, we continue to embrace the challenges ahead with resilience and determination. The path may not always be easy, but your commitment to excellence will undoubtedly lead to meaningful change.”
The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) advances health policy, practice, and science through leadership and organizational excellence. The PNAA, a non-profit with 55 chapters and over 5,000 members, upholds the welfare and professional excellence of Filipino-American nurses, impacting healthcare through education, research, and clinical practice.###
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-294-2024
05 November 2024
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-295-2024
05 November 2024
