Philippine Embassy and PNAA honour 11 Filipino nurses named fellows of the American Academy of Nursing

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Philippine Nurses Association of America honoured 11 Filipino and Filipino American nurses selected as fellows of the American Academy of Nursing at their 2026 'Pagdiriwang ng Kahusayan' reception.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) honoured 11 Filipino and Filipino American nurses inducted as fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the profession's highest honours, INQUIRER.net USA reported. The reception, 'Pagdiriwang ng Kahusayan' or 'Celebration of Excellence', was held at the embassy on 9 October, ahead of the academy's induction ceremony on 10 October, according to Tofa News.

The honorees were Nelson Aquino, Raquel Bertiz, Benjamin Joel Breboneria, Brigitte Cypress, Federico Mendoza Doliente III, Pablito Roberto Gahol, Maria Reila Molina, Rayne Soriano, Mila Sprouse, Jandryle Trondillo and Patria Villacorta Manalaysay. Gahol is PNAA president for the 2026-2028 term. INQUIRER.net USA said this year's induction also marked the first time Filipino nurses based in the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia joined the academy's fellowship.

"Your induction is not simply a recognition of individual achievement, but a celebration of the knowledge, compassion, leadership, and service that Filipino nurses bring to their profession," Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said.

Former academy president Kenneth White closed the reception with a toast. "It is not a mistake that you are here. You belong here and you were meant to be here," he said. The event was held during Filipino American History Month and marked the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. PNAA has more than 5,000 members across 55 chapters.

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