PRESS RELEASE
WDC-68-2025
17 October 2025
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 2025 “Pagdiriwang ng Kahusayan” (Celebration of Excellence) at the Embassy’s Quezon Hall on 15 October 2025, to honor seven Filipino inductees joining the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) as Fellows, Class of 2025.
The Filipino inductees for 2025 are: 1) Dr. Marife Aczon-Armstrong, 2) Dr. Gloria Beriones, 3) Dr. Giancarlo Lyle-Edrosolo, 4) Dr. Jamille Nagtalon-Ramos, 5) Dr. Ivy Latoja Pacis, 6) Dr. Patrick Simon Soria, 7) Dr. Tony Umadhay. They will join over 3,000 distinguished fellows in the Academy, representing the nursing profession’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, clinical practice, and academia.
The Philippine Embassy also specially congratulates Dr. Gloria Beriones, who has consistently demonstrated passion and dedication to the Filipino-American nursing community, particularly during her tenure as PNAA President from 2022–2024.
Consul General Donna M. Rodriguez warmly welcomed the incoming nurse fellows, their families, PNAA colleagues, and the organization’s partners and supporters to the Embassy. In her remarks, she highlighted the pivotal role of Filipino nurses in Philippine-American history, tying it to the Embassy’s celebration of Filipino American History Month. “For more than a century, Filipino nurses have played a vital role in the shared history of the Philippines and the United States. From the early 1900s, when the first Filipino nurses arrived in the United States, to today’s generation of global health leaders seated before me, you have carried forward a legacy built on the devotion to the welfare of those committed to your care. Across hospitals, universities, and communities here and abroad, Filipino nurses stand as trusted pillars of compassion and integrity.” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bradley Goettl, Chief Nursing Officer of American Nurses Enterprise, reflected on the significance of this recognition for the inductees stating, “You have earned one of the highest honors in nursing. This recognition reflects years of dedication, scholarship, innovation, and advocacy in this kind of work that changes systems, that transforms care and uplifts communities…this accomplishment is not the finish line. It is an invitation for you to continue shaping the next chapter of our profession.”
Dr. Nancy Mannion, Board Chair of the Nurses on Boards Coalition, then addressed the inductees and PNAA, emphasizing their broader impact on the nursing profession. “Your extraordinary contributions to policy, research, administration, practice, and academia are being acknowledged with this illustrious recognition. The Nurses on Boards Coalition appreciates the Philippine Nurses Association of America as a member organization of our coalition that fosters inclusive leadership collaboration. Together, the Nurses on Boards Coalition, the American Academy of Nursing, and the Philippine Nurses Association of America ensure that nurses uphold our recognition as the most trusted profession embodying integrity, innovation, and a dedication to servant leadership.“
The program concluded with a celebratory toast led by PNAA President Dr. Marlon Saria, honoring the fellows’ contributions to the Filipino-American nursing community as a whole, “Today as we stand in unity recognized and appreciated by your peers and honored by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, may we be reminded that this recognition transcends personal achievements. It is not just an accolade for an individual, but a commendation for the entire profession. Each of us in our own way carries the torch for the community and our representation here speaks volumes about the power and influence of Filipino-American nurses. We are here not just for ourselves but for the advancement and elevation of nursing as a whole.”
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.
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PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-282-2025
17 October 2025
PHOTO RELEASE
WDC-283-2025
17 October 2025
