By Renelyn Gabucay

Dr. Warly Remegio (2nd from right), DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM, Founding Director of Salin-Kaalaman, Vice President of Nursing Professional Development and Practice Excellence at Hartford HealthCare, and PNAA Eastern Region Vice President, receives a certificate of recognition during the Salin-Kaalaman 2026 program, honoring his contributions to nursing education, research, and professional development.

The pursuit of knowledge is a journey sparked by curiosity—where questions ignite discovery, understanding nurtures growth, and learning unfolds as a lifelong calling. In this enduring quest, minds are sharpened, perspectives broadened, and a quiet yet profound sense of purpose begins to take form.

The program formally commenced with a warm welcome from Central Philippine University College of Nursing Dean, Melba C. Sale, MAN, RN, who underscored the significance of the gathering in fostering collaboration, lifelong learning, and professional advancement. Emphasizing the pivotal role of clinical instructors and nurse educators, she highlighted the collective responsibility of the nursing community to bridge gaps in health equity and social justice. Through the unified efforts of innovative and compassionate minds, Dean Sale called for a future where dedication to the profession translates into meaningful impact. She also conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to the CUCON alumni and sponsors, as well as to the CPU administration, for their unwavering support of nursing education, community engagement, and professional initiatives.

This was followed by the opening remarks of CPU President Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, who reflected on the enduring necessity of continuous learning and self-improvement. He reminded the audience that the pursuit of knowledge and skills is not merely an academic endeavor, but a form of service—one that honors both humanity and faith. Concluding his message, President Dagohoy shared Proverbs 3:5–6, offering a gentle yet powerful reminder to trust in the Lord and allow wisdom to guide every step forward.

The program was further enriched by messages from distinguished leaders whose insights offered both inspiration and direction. Dr. Warly Remegio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM, Founding Director of Salin-Kaalaman, Vice President of Nursing Professional Development and Practice Excellence at Hartford HealthCare, and PNAA Eastern Region Vice President, took the stage to share the vision behind the Philippine Nurses Association of America’s (PNAA) initiative to advance nursing research. He encouraged educators, researchers, and clinical instructors to embrace collaboration and communication as pathways to strengthening knowledge, skills, and nursing practice. Dr. Remegio also expressed his deep appreciation to the USA PNAA delegates, CPU President Dagohoy, the CPU College of Nursing dean and faculty, and the students whose presence reflected the future of the profession.

The Salin-Kaalaman 2026 scholarly program showcased nursing’s leadership, resilience, and innovation through diverse expert-led discussions. Professor Emeritus Dula F. Pacquiao, EdD, RN, CTN-A, FTNSS, FNYAM, of Rutgers University and William Paterson University, opened with a keynote on health equity and social justice. Dr. Warly Remegio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM expanded the dialogue by highlighting academic–practice partnerships that support workforce engagement, professional development, quality, safety, and innovation.Giving the students a short break, Dancing Nurses Association delivered an outstanding intermission number that gave a temporary relief from the serious topics previously discussed.

Dr. Teresita Medina, DNP, RN, PMH-BC, NE-BC, addressed caregiver mental health, burnout, and suicide risk. Dedeen Orola, MSN/ADM, MHCA, RN, BON, emphasized the frontline nurse’s role in transforming bedside care. Dr. Nikunj Patel, MD, presented trends and breakthroughs in diabetes management.

A panel on professional identity, guided by Dr. Patricia Po, DNP, APN, AGACNP-BC, GERO-BC, featured Ms. Femarie Bedona, MSN, RN, CCRN, Leo John Espinosa, BSN, RN, Jonathan Gapilango, DNP, MMIN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, CCRP, FNYAM, Victoria Roque, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, OCN, Dedeen Orola, MSN/ADM, MHcA, RN, BON, Dula Pacquiao, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Warly Remegio, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, FNYAM, who shared personal journeys of service, resilience, and growth within PNAA.

CPUCN International Relations Coordinator Alvin Gustilo, MAN, RN, moderated the question-and-answer session and post-test which further reinforced the learning of the student nurses. The program concluded under the leadership of Co-Program Director of Salin-Kaalaman 2026, Ms. Femarie Bedona, MS, RN, CCRN, inspiring participants to carry forward knowledge, purpose, and commitment to nursing’s future. The event reaffirmed collaboration, compassion, and lifelong learning as foundations of professional nursing practice worldwide today, and beyond healthcare systems globally.