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Credits (Facebook/UP College of Nursing)

Video: In Celebration of nurses and frontline workers in NYC

In celebration of nurses and frontline workers in NYC

Happy Nurses Week! May 6-12, 2020

By Dula F. Pacquiao EdD, RN, CTN-A, TNS
We are celebrating an historic moment in Nursing -Nurses Week in the year of the Nurse and the Midwife, a fitting acknowledgement of who we are and what we do. The Covid 19 pandemic has highlighted the dedication of nurses to caring for the sick and the dying, their courage in taking enormous risks for themselves and their loved ones to fulfill their ethical and moral obligation to provide services to those in need, and their selfless sacrifice to pursue their professional commitment to others even without adequate protection from threats to their own health and well-being.

We celebrate nurses as the most trusted healthcare providers in the country and most importantly as symbols of heroism and courage in the face of tremendous adversity. Along with other essential workers and first responders, healthcare workers kept our healthcare systems moving when everything else was on a standstill. As dedicated workers, they felt triumphant when patients recovered and discharged home.

Health is wealth. Health is security and assurance of continuity in life. At the core of health and well-being are nurses who endure threats to life in order to restore the health of others. Let us always remember their tremendous contribution to our health and well-being – an achievement that transcends time, spaces and events.

I am proud to be a nurse and a Filipino American nurse. Our organizations, the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum (UPINHF) and the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) are comprised of members who are ubiquitous in healthcare systems throughout the United States. Filipino nurses are actively providing professional nursing care nationwide and globally. We thank them for a job well-done. Stay safe and may God bless us all.

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In celebration of nurses and frontline workers in NYC

Video credit: Tet Villarosa Sta. Maria, RN UPCN’81

A Covid-19 ICU in New York City

“In appreciation of the dedication, service, and determination of nurses, doctors, and other health workers, food were brought in but we do not have time to sit down to eat. There is so much work to do. There is even a more compelling need to assist patients so they can connect with loved ones via their mobile phones.” (Bessie Anolin, RN UPCN’82) Photo credit: Tet Villarosa Sta. Maria, RN UPCN’81

Celebrating Nurses’ Week, May 2020,
New York Presbyterian Downtown

“Nurses watch while New Yorkers show support and gratitude to frontline health workers. New York residents were clapping, dancing, cheering proudly for us.” (Bessie Anolin, RN UPCN’82) Photo credit: Tet Villarosa Sta. Maria, RN UPCN’81

NARS: FRONTLINER – HIGIT PA

Ako sa iyo ay sumasaludo
Sa panahon ng pagsubok, ikaw ay nanatili
Tumayong matatag, at may lakas ng loob
Upang harapin ang nararapat na harapin
At gawin ang dapat na gawin:
Labanan ang salot na dulot ng COVID-19!
Sa taglay na dunong, may pusong mapagmahal
At kamay na mapagkalinga –
Sa pagpapala ng ating Diyos na Maykapal
Dala ay diwa ng kapatiran
Nasa ay kagalingan ng buong daigdigan:
Aalagaan, aarugain, gagamutin ang mga nahulog sa karamdaman
Bibigyang-lunas ang sakit at kalungkutan
Hahagipin ‘yung nasa bingit ng kamatayan
Aaluin ang mga naghinagpis; lalo’t higit sa kalagayang ito:
huling sulyap sa nasawing asawa, magulang, anak, kaibigan, kapatid –
Maging ito’y ipinagkait nitong pandemiko, tunay na diyablo!
Sa iyong pagganap sa inakong tungkulin, harap mo ay panganib
Kuko ng diyablo, ilan na ngang kasama ang nasaling nito?
Ito, gayunman ay di naging balakid
Bagkus parang sa sugatang kawal –
Ang bawat sugat ay nagbibigay-lakas, at nagtutulak: sulong sa pakikipaglaban!
Ako sa iyo ay nagpapasalamat, kasama ng dasal na sana sa iyong isip ay huwag mawaglit:
Sugat mong tinamo ay sugat ko rin
Ikaw ay ako: kaisa at isa sa laban na ito!
tony.n.abad 05.08.2020

*Isang pag-aalay ng pagmamahal at pakikiisa sa mga narses, kasama ng mga duktor, at iba pang health care workers … di lang sa taong ito na dineklara ng WHO bilang International Year of the Nurse o sa panahon ng pandemic.

A Tribute to Faye Luna Palafox

The UP College of Nursing mourns the passing of one of its own, Faye Marie Luna Palafox, BSN Class of 1995. Ms. Palafox has lived the true essence of IskoNars para sa Bayan, having served the Philippine General Hospital initially as a staff nurse in 1996 and rose ranks to become the Head Nurse of 5RCB1.

During her last seven days in PGH, she performed the role of safety officer in charge of ensuring the complete and correct donning of personal protective equipment (PPE) of nurses before these nurses enter their unit.

While we mourn her passing, we continue to celebrate her life characterized by unwavering dedication and commitment to serve the Filipino people beyond the call of duty. A true UP Nurse, a true IskoNars para sa Bayan!

April 19, 2020 – UPINHF JOINS Fight Against COVID-19

In an urgent meeting on March 27, 2020, the UPINHF Board of Directors passed a unanimous resolution to send assistance to the Philippines in its fight against SARS – CoV-2 (corona virus) through the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), one of the designated hospitals to admit COVID -19 patients. At this time PGH Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGHMFI) was also seeking donations.

As of April 19, 2020, UPINHF has provided the following financial assistance:

• $1,000 on March 30,2020 to PGH Medical Foundation for the purchase of N95 masks for PGH staff.
• $1,000.00 on April 3, 2020 from donations of individual members of the UPINHF Board of Directors for the immediate purchase of 270 N95 masks for staff at PGH Adult Infectious Diseases Department, all at risk of Covid-19 infection. On April 14, 2020, an acknowledgment of the UPINHF’s donation by doctors of the Department was posted on Facebook.
• $1,200.00 on April 15, 2020 to PGHMFI to purchase PPEs for the PGH front-line healthcare workers. The funds were from the generous donations of the UPINHF Board members, members and friends.

UPINHF welcomes your contributions. To date, a total of $3,200.00 has been raised for the Philippines through PGH in a joint effort to fight this vicious novel virus.

We acknowledge the sincere generosity of donors. Fundraising efforts continue. UPINHF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and individual contributions are tax exempt by the US IRS. If you are led to join us in this, please email Iren Bobis Roldan (irenibr3@gmail.com) Thank you. By Iren Bobis Roldan, UPINHF Vice President.

PRAYER WARRIORS Form A Brigade: The UPINHF Board, members and friends have been supporting others through comforting words of Prayers and Intercessions. We rejoice when someone recovers and we continue to pray for the families of those who have succumbed to COVID-19. The uplifting message of hope, love and comfort from these prayers is truly amazing for everyone. Let us know if you need prayers as well. Or join us. Email Merle Borrero (mernell04@yahoo.com) or Tatess Abad (aabad712@aol.com).

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WE ARE GROWING STRONG

Dolores Sanares-Carreon, Class’75 – DNP, MPA, RN, NE-BC
UP PGHSNAA Special Award Recipient, 2020
Evidence-Based Practice Consultant (pro bono)
UP-PGH EBP Capacity Building Project

DONATIONS

GET WELL WISHES

DEEPEST SYMPATHY

To Lita Tsai UPCN’73 and her family for the demise of her son last August 2019.

To Norma Serina GN’61 and family for the passing of her beloved husband and our very dear friend and strong UPINHF supporter, Dr. Eliseo Serina, UPCM last September 7, 2019.

For the information of those who knew Hector Sulit, MD’65, he passed away February 7, five weeks after his wife, Maria Paz Fernandez Sulit, passed away.  Hector did his residency in ophthalmology at PGH. He practiced in Long Beach.

REMEMBER to SAVE THE DATE: AUGUST 7&8, 2020

UPINHF is now an officially accredited alumni association, after a rigorous process by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association and the UP Board of Regents! Mabuhay!

UPINHF’s 2019 International Nurse Awardee

Dr. Josefina Angeles Tuazon, DrPH, MN, BSN, RN is the Recipient of the UPINHF’s 2019 International Nurse Award for her leadership, commitment, and implementation of a multi-pronged approach to the prevention of chronic illness generally known as Non-Communicable Diseases.

UPINHF, as its Preamble to the Constitution declares, has more than meets the eye.  It has depth and profound meaning.  Who we are and what we are, is, no doubt, the sum total of our vision, distinction, and compassion.  The International Nurse Award is the epitome of these elements which, for all intents and purposes, transcends beyond just achievements and temporal feats.

“Vision” is an ideal or a sublime goal toward which one aspires.  This year’s recipient, Dr. Josefina Angeles Tuazon, exemplifies that vision to help others with her well-suited capacity and relentless efforts, thus in her own words:  “I was driven not simply to achieve nor attain positions.  I was driven by a passion to do my best always and to do the best for the general good.”

Imbued with compassion towards the patients and victims of chronic diseases, Dr. Josefina Tuazon dedicated most of her professional life in pursuit of preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in the hope that  the endeavor could somehow taper off the creeping rise of this malady.  She became part of and contributed to the development of a national policy and program for prevention of NCD and the promotion of healthy lifestyle.

Does her work have an international impact or global significance? It has indeed, very much so.  According to the World Health Organization, of the 57 million global deaths in 2008, 36 million or 63% were due to Non- Communicable Diseases (NCD).  The four main NCDs are Cardiovascular disease, cancers, Diabetes, and Chronic Lung Disease.  The burden of these is rising disproportionately among lower income countries and populations ((WHO:  Death from Non-Communicable Diseases), the Philippines among them.

Latest data indicate that NCDs kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71% of all deaths globally.  Each Year 15 million people die from Non-Communicable Diseases between the ages of 30 and 69 years.  Over 85% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, (WHO: June 1, 2018).  Tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diet s are proximate causes of NCDs.  As a caring nurse she saw the hardship and suffering of patients, families, and victims.  She became a staunch advocate of tobacco control, supports asthma and diabetes education and physical activity like regular exercise.  To this end, Dr. Tuazon is working closely with the Department of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention Alliance on Tobacco Control.   She is also Vice President of the Philippine Coalition for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (PCPC).  In addition, she helped organize the Association of Diabetes Nurse Educators of the Philippines (ADNEP).  Jim Wallis (1948-) once said: “It is the experience of touching the pain of others that is the key to change…. Compassion is a sign of transformation.”

A noted academician, Josefina Tuazon excelled in all her scholastic endeavors from Elementary, Secondary, and Tertiary where she graduated from U.P. with a BSN degree, Cum Laude in 1977.  She obtained her Master in Nursing, (MN) in 1986 and in the year 2000 she attained her Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH)—she was presented the Highest Academic Performance Award in Doctorate Program by the U.P. College of Public Health.

A teacher, professor, and Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Nursing, Dr. Josefina A. Tuazon is also a researcher, prolific writer, mentor and a sought-after speaker on a variety of topics in the Philippines and abroad, most notably about the chronic diseases that affect millions of people around the world. With enthusiasm coming from deep within, her eloquence springs from a passion and desire to stem the inexorable dread of NCDs.

Dr. Josefina Tuazon’s work in the academia, and her advocacy of a beneficial cause did not go unnoticed.  She is a recipient of numerous awards and citations including Ten Outstanding Filipino Teachers (TOFT), Centennial Professorial Chair Award, Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher Award, to name a few.   And for her advocacy of physical well-being through education, training and promotion of healthy lifestyles, she received the Julita V. Sotejo Medallion of Honor, the highest award to a U.P. nurse.

Of the many facets of her career, UPINHF finds her work on NCD worthy of recognition and distinction it certainly deserves as it is very relevant and apropos in today’s world.  In her nomination, Josephine Francisco Villanueva, MA, BSN, RN, a UPINHF Founding Member, states:  “For all the global, national, and international work, accomplishments and all her dedicated efforts in sharing her knowledge and expertise for the advancement and improvement of nursing care profession, she deserves to receive the International Nurse Award for 2019.”  In endorsing the nominee, UPCN Dean Sheila R. Bonito, BSN, MAN, DrPH, RN, said: “Her 40 years of commitment to the nursing profession as an educator, researcher, and administrator in the University of the Philippines Manila deserve recognition by the UPINHF.”   After polling the members, Jesusa Santa Barbara Czach, BSN, RN, CCRN, Chairman, Committee on Awards, Citations, and Scholarships certified the panel’s unanimous vote to Theresa Liboro Abad, MSN, BSN, RN, Chairman of the UPINHF’s Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors likewise unanimously approved the recommendation of the Committee on Awards, Citations, and Scholarships in favor of Dr. Josefina Angeles Tuazon, DrPH, MN, BSN, MN, RN, as the recipient of the 2019 UPINHF International Nurse Award with distinction.  The Founding Members, Directors, and all members extend their best wishes to a very deserving nominee.

Congratulations!

By Nelson C. Borrero
Associate Member

Congratulations to Marlon Garzo Saria, PhD, RN, AOCNS, FAAN

Recipient, 2018 International Nurse Award

University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum

The University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum’s Committee on Awards, Citations, and Scholarships and its Board of Directors are proud to announce the unanimous selection of Dr. Marlon Garzo Saria as the UPINHF 2018 International Nurse Award recipient. Dr. Saria will be the “Special Guest Speaker” at the UPINHF’s 2018 International Forum on August 4, 2018 in New Jersey, USA.   The International Nurse Award was created and instituted by the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum to honor the UP nurses and celebrate their achievements that advance the nursing profession, improve healthcare, and provide meaningful benefits to patients, groups, communities, and ultimately all of mankind.

The justification for the award is very germane to the theme of this year’s Forum— “Collaboration: Key to Advancing Healthcare.” As described in the 2018 Educational Program, “Collaboration among various stakeholders in healthcare is critical in advancing social determinants of health that are largely responsible for outstanding disparities in health among population groups.  Focusing on population health promotion through collaboration, leadership strategies in education, research and practice, experts provide exemplars of collaborative approaches to advance health of populations.” 

Dr. Saria is an oncology nurse with over eighteen years of experience in multiple roles including direct patient care, professional development, program development and management, and research. He is currently the oncology clinical nurse specialist and nurse scientist for the inpatient oncology and Caritas concierge suites at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. He is an Assistant Professor of Neurosciences and Neurotherapeutics and Director of the Center for Quality Outcomes and Research at Pacific Neuroscience Institute and John Wayne Cancer Institute.

Dr. Saria received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of the Philippines and a master’s in oncology nursing from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from UCLA. His research interest is grounded on two overlapping themes- the effect of cancer- and cancer-related toxicities on patient outcomes and the impact of caregiver burden on caregiver well-being outcomes, patient health outcomes, and healthcare utilization outcomes. His vision is to provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to patient and family care in the oncology setting. His doctoral dissertation explored caregiver burden within the context of brain metastases and he continues to expand his research to address the lack of information on protective factors and neglect in addressing the risks experienced by caregivers of patients diagnosed with cancer. His current studies seek to address the lack of a structured caregiver assessment and the underutilization of evidence-based resources and programs. He is also actively exploring the role of digital platforms to improve health outcomes.

Dr. Saria is a member of the Brain Cancer Quality of Life Collaborative and was on the team that wrote the grant proposal “Optimizing Palliative Care for Patients with Brain Cancer & Their Families” that was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcome Research Institute. His portfolio of active research studies include “An Exploratory Study of Caregiver Burden Among Family Caregivers of Patients With Cancer”, “CancerLife: Patient-Driven Solution in Cancer Care”, and “Prospective Analysis of Brain Tumor Patient Symptoms Following Air-Flight”. His research studies in development include several proposals that utilize digital or electronic health applications, including digital platforms in monitoring and managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and increasing patient and family engagement in the plan of care.

Dr. Saria was selected as a Summer Intramural Research Program Fellow at the National Institutes of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health. He was appointed as a Visiting Researcher at Chiba University School of Nursing in Japan and has a current appointment as Faculty-In-Charge at the University of the Philippines Open University. He has been published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, Oncology Nursing Forum, Nursing Clinics of North America, Journal of Neurosurgery, CNS Oncology, Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, and many others. He is the editor for the Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Scenarios and Core Curriculum for Oncology Nursing. He has written chapters in Your Guide to Cancer Prevention, Psychosocial Nursing Along the Cancer Continuum, Breast Cancer (Site-Specific Cancer Series), Telephone Triage, Oncology Nursing Advisor, and Clinical Guide to Antineoplastic Therapy: A Chemotherapy Handbook.

Dr. Saria is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society, Philippine Nurses Association of America, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, American Nurses Association, Society for Neuro-Oncology, International Society of Nurses for Cancer Care, Reserve Officers Association, Association of Military Surgeons of the Unites States, Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers (CIOMR),  American Academy of Nursing, Philippine Brain Tumor Alliance, Philippine Nursing Research Society,  the NATO Grand Priory of St. Sebastian, Soldier Martyr Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, and the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum.  He was actively involved in the community as served on the board for the San Diego Filipino-American Humanitarian Foundation, Filipino-American Community Empowerment (Political Action Committee), San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, and San Diego Filipino American Youth Foundation.

Dr. Saria is currently a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Nurse Corps where he serves as a flight commander for medical technicians in aerospace medical squadron, nurse credentials officer, public affairs officer, and patient flow manager. NATO Grand Priory of St. Sebastian, Soldier Martyr Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem.

He was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Global Caring Nurses Foundation. He was also a recipient of the distinguished Pearl Moore Making A Difference Award from the Oncology Nursing Society.

Congratulations, Dr. Saria!

2017 International Nurse Awardee

LOURDES MARIE S. TEJERO, Phd, MAN, BSN
Dean, University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing (2013-2017)

For her leadership and dedication in forging linkages between the U.P. Manila College of Nursing and nursing institutions of other countries to advance nursing education and healthcare.

The International Nurse Award was created and instituted by the University of the Philippines International Nursing & Healthcare Forum (UPINHF INC) to honor the UP Nurses and celebrate their achievements that advance the nursing profession, improve healthcare, and provide meaningful benefit to patients, groups, communities, and ultimately, all of mankind. As the name of the award suggests, the main criteria is the nominee’s body of work and/or projects initiated and implemented, solely and/or in collaboration and cooperation with others, that have international importance or global impact.

This award’s first recipient is Dr. Lourdes Marie Sequerra Tejero, a UP nurse who not just met the criteria for the honor but exceeded it. Working with many nursing institutions of foreign countries, Dr. Tejero manifested acumen and leadership for the world to appreciate and recognize.  She was a visiting professor and/or lecturer/speaker at the Woosong University, South Korea; the Nagoya University in Japan; the University of Sumatra in Utara, Indonesia; the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia; and the John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

As Dean of the University of the Philippines Manila College of Nursing (UPCN), Dr. Tejero initiated and led the college in forging international linkages with nursing institutions around the world. She was instrumental in formulating and signing of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between UPCN and John Hopkins University, Dokkyo University in Japan and Mahidol University in Thailand, among others.  For the ASEAN Integration focusing on the mobility of nurses among the ASEAN countries, she is one of the chosen Nurse Leaders forming the “Southeast and East Asian Nursing Education and Research Network” that meet yearly since 2015 in Chaingmai, Thailand.

As Head of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Leadership in Nursing Development at UPCN, Dean Tejero led the college in various projects. The Dean visited Myanmar at the invitation of the Ambassador to further develop the nursing profession as the country transitions to a democratic government. She also saw through the completion of the Cambodia Nurse Bridging Program initiated by her predecessor. The Cambodian nurse leaders and faculty members, trained by the UPCN faculty, were transitioned from their Associate in Nursing Degrees to BS in Nursing Degrees.

The success of her mission abroad was spawned by her earlier academic feats at home. Lourdes Marie Sequerra Tejero graduated in 1993 as valedictorian and cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at UPCN in 1993.  She was also at the top ten of the Philippine Nursing Board Examinations.  After graduation, she worked as a Neonatal ICU nurse, Head nurse, nurse supervisor, and Training officer in Pediatric Nursing at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center where she embarked on some challenging projects. Her research paper “Exploratory Study on Pregnancy Loss” won the research contest in the “Fetus as a Patient” Convention of Physicians in 1998.

In 1999, Ms. Tejero completed the requirements for the Master of Arts in Nursing Degree with high distinction from the University of Asia and the Pacific. She finished her PhD in Nursing from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 2009 and took her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia in 2011.  She earned the Catherine Pouget Award from the Mapi Research Trust of France for her dissertation grant. 

Ms. Tejero joined the UP Manila College of Nursing as Assistant Professor in 2004. She was promoted to Associate Professor after finishing her PhD in Nursing. She was appointed as Director (2011-2013) of the UP National Graduate Office for the Health Sciences where she coordinated the graduate programs of the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health, Pharmacy, Allied Medical Professions,NTTC-HP, Arts and Sciences. In December 2013, the UP Board of Regents appointed Dr. Tejero as the UPCN Dean and served in that capacity until 2017.

A sought-after speaker, Dean Tejero attended many seminars, conventions, and conferences in the Philippines and other countries notable of which was as a panel speaker in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 High Level Meeting on Health and Economy.

Dean Tejero is also a prolific researcher and writer. She authored studies and articles in line with UPINHF’s healthcare objectives and its drive to seek advancement in the nursing profession.   Her publications include “Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Nurse-Patient Bonding,” INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES (2010) and “The Mediating Role of Nurse-Patient Dyad Bonding in Bringing About Patient Satisfaction,” JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING (2012).

Dean Tejero’s devotion and dedication to the nursing profession accorded her many citations and recognition like the Best Oral Presentation Award (Research Paper), East Asia Forum of Nursing Scholars, Hong Kong Polytechnic University; the “Distinguished Alumna Award in Nursing Education,” University of the Philippines College of Nursing Alumni Association, Inc., Outstanding Nurse in the Field of Education, Training, and Research conferred by the National League of Philippine Government Nurses.

The UPINHF Awards & Citations Committee and the Board of Directors are truly proud of Dean Tejero’s excellent achievements in advancing nursing practices and of her incredible leadership as a UP Nurse at both the national and international arenas—they unanimously chose Dr. Lourdes Marie Sequerra Tejero as the recipient of the UPINHF 2017 International Nurse Award. She gives prestige to her alma mater and her country.  Dr. Tejero is highly deserving of this award.

Congratulations!