By Cyrus A. Natividad

Jonathan Anotado Gapilango, MSN RN OCN CCRP NE-BC (CPU BSN 1993), is the President Elect of the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, U.S.A for 2022-2024. He was inducted on April 30, 2022 at the Pines Manor by Current President of Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) Mary Joy Dia. Outgoing PNANJ President Jackie Baras turned over the award as Recruiter of the Year to Gapilango as well.

Gapilango received 56.4% (303) votes amongst the 3 candidates. The election was conducted through online voting – by a Third Party Election America from March 21 to April 15, 2022. The turnout of voters was at an all- time high in the history of PNANJ.

Gapilango shared his mantra: iCARE (innovation, Collaboration, Advocacy, Resiliency, Engagement & Empowerment). As member of the Advisory Board of PNANJ Chapter, he partnered with the Filipino- American Community & Development Center of Ocean County, Inc. (FCDC) in many different fundraising events and cultural awareness activities. He is a member of FCDC for 10 years.

A very successful Centralian, Gapilango treasured this verse in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”