Message from the 2018-19 UPINHF President

UPINHF: STRONG AND TRUE

By Maria Theresa Liboro Abad, UPINHF President

The 2nd International Forum of the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum (UPINHF) has come and gone but we still see continued expressions of appreciation and uplifting, congratulatory messages. We still receive emails and texts from guests who are thankful for the job well done and who have expressed their excited anticipation for the next time colleagues, family, and friends will come together again.

We noticed that many thanks have been given by those who worked hard, as they are the exceptional servant workers of our organization. The quiet workers remained seemingly quiet trying their best to keep recognition to the minimum. Nonetheless, they are valued for their timely, dutiful work in the background.

OUR THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO CAME AND CELEBRATED WITH US THOSE TWO DAYS AND TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR ORGANIZATION THROUGH THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, MEMBERSHIP, WORK, KNOW-HOWS, ADVERTISEMENTS, COMMITMENT, PATIENCE, AND TRUST. MOST OF ALL, THANKS TO OUR GOD WHO MADE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. PRAISE GOD FOR GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A TRUE ORGANIZATION AMONGST US THAT IS UNIFIED AND PASSIONATE TO SUSTAIN THE U.P. IDEALS.

A number of things are happening in UPINHF which make it TRUE. We embrace and accept each other, willfully aware of our individuality yet we transcend through our differences. We look out for each other’s needs, putting up patience and forbearance when something is missed or happens unusually. We have a whole variety of perspectives but somehow, we all come up with unified decisions, not one-sided or arrogant, but of deep understanding of the situation, mindfully respectful and humble. All of us are critical thinkers and all are driven to lead, yet, we still allow ourselves to follow the “front-liners” or not hesitate to step up to the leadership plate if needed. We are unafraid to show our vulnerability, weaknesses, and failings. We remain comfortable letting others know of our predicaments and situations. We highly regard selflessness and go out of our way to serve others. We bind each other’s wounds. We are committed to struggle together rather than against each other.

UPINHF has the ongoing spirit of love, respect, honestly, wisdom, generosity, and service. Together we endeavor to show the beauty of being U.P. and to bring further prestige to the organization and to our Alma Mater. We do it all for the glory of God.

August 2019

Rhodora Lawas Maligalig
President BSN 1972

Message from the 2017 UPINHF President

Greetings!

On behalf of the founding members and the board of directors of the University of the Philippines International Nursing and Healthcare Forum, I warmly welcome you to the launching of our organization and the induction of our officers and board members. The UPINHF INC was formed out of a common shared passion for transforming healthcare by promoting inter-professional and multi-sectoral dialogue among healthcare practitioners locally, regionally, and internationally. As a public benefit, educational, and charitable organization, we are guided by our ” faith, fervor and profound fealty to our alma mater. ” We envision to achieve our objectives and promote unity, amity, mutual respect, and charity for all.

Our forums and activities will seek to bring together all nursing and healthcare practitioners to share best clinical practices, advances in research and education, and provide opportunities for collaboration, networking and support among individuals, groups, or communities.

I take this opportunity to announce and congratulate UPCN Dean Lourdes Marie Tejero who is our first recipient of the International Nurse Award as she has achieved recognition in her various roles as nursing administrator, educator, and research collaborator. More power to her as she starts her studies in Translational Medicine at University of California Berkeley and the University of California San Francisco! I also take this special opportunity to thank Dr. Emerlinda Ramos.Roman, the First Woman President of the University of the Philippines System (2005-2011), who will induct the officers and members of the board and will provide advice and guidance as we pursue our goal of achieving our threefold purpose.

Last but not the least, welcome and cheers to all Jubilarians, founding members, and alumni!
Thank you. We hope to see you next year!

Rhodora (Dors) L. Maligalig, BSN, MSN (UPCN Class of 1972)
President, UPINHF INC