Message from Gloria Lamela Beriones
Chairperson, Education Committee

Greetings and welcome to the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), Inc. 31st National Convention in Miami, Florida. This year’s theme “Reflections of PRISM: Achievements and Future Directions” encompasses…PNAA as a Premier Professional Organization. PRISM has been put into real actions through collaboration with other Professional Organizations; our involvement with Regulatory and Legislative Agenda; engaging ourselves in Interagency Collaboration; our passion in creating different Services and Program Development and taking pride in Managing Organizational Resources Effectively, Efficiently and Ethically. PNAA is always committed in making a difference in the lives of people we serve and in communities we live in. Every one of us Filipino Nurses in the United States of America (USA) and around the world has contributed in making our world a better place. Let us keep our passion alive by doing what we do best. Remember…that each one of us has the power to affect change and make a difference through ‘PRISM’.

The PNAA Education Committee has members in four regions that have been stellar in the planning and creating educational programs that are responsive to the needs of the PNAA chapter members. In 2008- 2010, there were eight PNAA Regional Conferences, two National Conventions and recently an International Nursing Conference in Cebu City, Philippines, January 7-9, 2010. The PNAA clearly demonstrates their commitment to continuously strengthen the education of Filipino nurses in the current health care environment. Through the PNAA’s education programs, Filipino nurses are well informed and are prepared in a competitive market as safe practitioners and have foresight of what is ahead in the future of nursing. My heartfelt gratitude for a job well done to the PNAA Education Committee Members: Dr. Gemma Rio and James Puspos, South Central Region (SCR); Emma Cuenca and Nancy Hoff, Western Region, Redd Knotts and Cornelio Obordo, North Central Region (NCR); Fe Nieves-Khouw and Vernie Bacolot , Eastern Region and Perry Francisco, PNAA Vice-chairperson. Most of all, my sincere appreciation to Leo-Felix Jurado, PNAA President for his tireless quest in providing the highest quality education to the PNAA Members throughout 38 chapters in the U. S.

This PNAA 31st National Convention is a labor of love and passion of our dear friend and colleague Ana Dagum Javellana, who is now with our loving God in heaven. Ana’s vision for PNASF to host the PNAA 31st National Convention was made into reality by the PNA South Florida “Power Team”: Josephine Villanueva, President, Freda Arzadon, Past President, Penelope “Penny” Pattalitan, Perlita Cerilo, PNASF Executive Board and Members and Joey Dagum “IT Guru”; Merlita Velasquez, VP SCR, twelve SCR Chapters, PNAA Foundation, generous donors, sponsors, exhibitors and especially our distinguished and expert speakers. To all of you …Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay ang PNASF for hosting the PNAA 31st National Convention in Miami, Florida.