By CPU College of Nursing
Following their induction into the PNAA National Board of Directors, Dr. Jonathan Anotado Gapilango (left) and Femarie Clarete Bedona (right) pose for a commemorative photo during the 47th PNAA Annual National Convention in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — Two distinguished alumni of the Central Philippine University (CPU) College of Nursing have earned national leadership positions in the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), reaffirming the University’s legacy of producing globally recognized nursing leaders.
Dr. Jonathan Anotado Gapilango, DNP, MMIN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, CCRP, FNYAM (BSN 1993), garnered the highest number of votes in the election for the PNAA Board of Directors, while Femarie Clarete Bedona, MSN, RN (BSN 1980), secured the third-highest number of votes, successfully winning re-election to the five-member national board.
The newly elected board members were formally inducted during the 47th PNAA Annual National Convention on July 19, 2026, at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where Filipino American nursing leaders from across the United States gathered to celebrate excellence, leadership, and service.
Gapilango represents the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey (PNANJ), while Bedona represents the Philippine Nurses Association of New York (PNANY). Both serve as representatives of the PNAA Eastern Region, bringing decades of leadership experience and professional excellence to the national organization.
For Central Philippine University, the election of two alumni to the PNAA National Board of Directors—one as the top vote-getter and the other earning a renewed mandate through re-election—marks a significant milestone that reflects the University’s enduring contribution to the nursing profession on the global stage.
“This achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of God’s grace and the Christian values instilled in me by Central Philippine University,” Dr. Jonathan Anotado Gapilango said. “I am deeply grateful to my professors, mentors, and the College of Nursing for shaping not only my professional competence but also my commitment to servant leadership, compassion, and excellence. The education I received at CPU laid the foundation for my journey, and I am honored to represent both PNAA and my alma mater as I serve Filipino American nurses across the United States.”
A respected nurse executive and oncology specialist, Dr. Gapilango has built an accomplished career spanning nursing leadership, healthcare administration, oncology nursing, clinical research, and organizational management. Throughout the years, he has actively served PNANJ and the Eastern Region, earning the confidence of colleagues nationwide through his commitment to professional excellence, innovation, and servant leadership.
Bedona, who returns to the Board of Directors for another term, likewise acknowledged the influence of her alma mater on her personal and professional growth.
“I am truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve another term on the PNAA Board of Directors,” Bedona said. “Central Philippine University has always been a guiding force in my life. The Christian faith, integrity, and spirit of compassionate service that were nurtured at CPU continue to inspire me in my nursing career and leadership. I am especially thankful to the faculty and mentors who believed in us and challenged us to become leaders who make a difference. This re-election is a reminder that we carry the Centralian legacy wherever we go.”
Bedona has long been recognized for her dedicated service within PNANY and PNAA. Her successful re-election reflects the trust and confidence of the membership in her steadfast leadership, advocacy for Filipino American nurses, and unwavering commitment to advancing professional development, community engagement, and organizational growth.
The Philippine Nurses Association of America, the largest professional organization of Filipino American nurses in the United States, promotes excellence in nursing practice, education, leadership, research, and community service. Election to its National Board of Directors is among the organization’s highest distinctions, entrusting board members with shaping strategic initiatives and representing the interests of thousands of Filipino American nurses across the country.
The election of Gapilango and the re-election of Bedona further highlight the global impact of CPU’s College of Nursing, whose graduates continue to lead healthcare institutions, professional organizations, and communities around the world.
As the two Centralians begin their terms on the PNAA National Board of Directors, they carry not only the confidence of the national membership but also the proud legacy of Central Philippine University—demonstrating that Centralian leadership, rooted in Christian faith and service, continues to influence the future of nursing beyond borders.