By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Philippine Nurses Association Iloilo Chapter in Cooperation with Central Philippine University College of Nursing, Capiz Emmanuel Hospital and Iloilo Mission Hospital Nurses Alumni Association (CCINAA) held an online program via Zoom on February 12, 2022 (7:00AM to 12:00NN). This was in observance of the 3rd Nurses’ Day. This year’s theme of the event is “Ilonggo Nurses: Exploring the Challenges in Nursing and Health.”

The participants were expected to be updated with national and global developments in general, and nursing in particular, by the end of the four hour session.
The topics included gainful insights into the efforts in professional policy development in the nursing profession; development awareness of the global/national mental health action program and the role that nurses play.

The participants have to appreciate the importance of applying research outcomes into nursing practice; renew their enthusiasm to engage in continuing education programs.

The program started with a prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Philippine Nurses Association Hymn. CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles and Dr. Lea P. Alayon, Outgoing Governor, PNA Region VI delivered their words of welcome. Mr. Melvin D. Miranda, MAN, RN (National President, Philippine Nurses Association) delivered an inspirational message before the topic discussions.

Topic1: Nursing Towards Professional Policy development was discussed by CPU College of Nursing Dean Atty. Salex E. Alibogha. Topic 2: Bridging the Gap Between Nursing Research and Nursing Practice was discussed by Dr. Michael Joseph S. Dino, President Phi Gamma Chapter Sigma; Topic 3 : Nurses’ Role in the Global Mental Health Program was taken up by Ms, Frances Prescilla Cuevas, Chief Health Program Officer – Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (Department of Health) and Topic 4: Continuing Education Program for Nurses: An Update was taken up by Hon. Merle L. Salvani, Member Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing. An Open Forum followed after each topic discussion.

Mr. Ian Van Sumagaysay, Chair, NOMELEC, PNA-Iloilo presented the Newly Elected PNA-lloilo Board of Directors, House of Delegates and NOMELEC Officers. Mr. Franky F. Muzones, President, PNA-Iloilo delivered the Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements. Evaluation of the Activity followed.