Philippine Nurses Association of Metro Houston Foundation, Inc. (PNAMHFI) Exemplar of “Our United Voices: WE CARE”
Arlita C. Pang, MAN, RN
PNAMHFI PRO, PNAMH Past President (AC)
PNAA Chair, W&M Committee, 2022-2024
Dee Hock said “An organization, no matter how well designed, is only as good as the people who live and work in it,” a quote I truly believe is true! During our lifetime, each of us has joined one or many organizations for worthy reasons. For me, I joined my organization because I believed in its objectives and trusted the people running it; to make a difference and selflessly give back in building our community, and meet new friends and colleagues. In return, it boosted my social life, experiences, and leadership skills. Although, at times, I feel like my life is consumed in many different ways, in the end, my organizations and the wonderful people are my families and homes outside my home!
In 2006, I joined my first organization, the Houston Millennium Lions Club, and four years later, I became the president. Time flies and after 3-4 years, I have joined four more organizations as board member and president of two: People Caring for the Community, Inc (PCCI), FCNAMH, PNAMH, and PNAMHFI.
Today, I remain fully involved with PNAMHFI whose mission is to promote and provide opportunities for philanthropy in support of PNAMH’s, education, scholarship, community outreach, and research activities; as well as support activities of other organizations that will improve health and well-being of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans through community outreach activities.
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PNAMHFI President, Cleo Robinett believes that PNAMHFI is only as good as its volunteer members and that through them the organization can achieve its objectives. She considers the volunteer members as their most valuable assets who possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities to keep the organization viable, competitive, successful, and visible. Along with the guidance of her predecessor, Past President Eufe Chua, Cleo does not take the organization’s nonprofit designation for granted, remaining steadfast in ensuring the appropriate IRS process is maintained, staying organized, and highlighting the activities to improve resources and visibility in the community.
PNAA President Dr. Gloria Beriones’ mantra, Our United Voices: WE CARE (Wisdom, Excellence, Collaboration, Advocacy, Respect, and Equity) befits PNAMHFI's description. The 23 members are all members of PNAMH with the exception of three. As I am writing this, I just now realize that PNAMH presidents who become Advisory Council (AC) after the completion of his/her term, automatically become PNAMHFI members! I truly don’t know why; but, it is what makes PNAMHFI an organization to reckon with- a small organization, united and mighty! Here are the “WE CARE” of PNAMHFI.
W: WISDOM is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the
quality of being wise. PNAMHFI has fourteen of 23 (14/22) past PNAMH presidents and 3
PNAA/PNAAF past and current presidents. PNAMHFI will always have the wisdom to give and share.
E: EXCELLENCE is exhibited by a lot of the members because of their prestigious awards, titles, and work achievements as managers, directors, administrators, assistants/professors, and entrepreneurs. Their
advancements in nursing allow them to focus on managing and preventing the physical and mental
health of their patients in their place of work and as members of PNAMHFI, true nursing excellence!
C: COLLABORATION is essential within and outside the organization. Many collaborations within and
outside have been done that improved teamwork. An example is how PNAMHFI collaborated with
other organizations during the wake and/or funeral receptions of 2 valuable members this past month:
Ate Merli Velasquez and Grace Diaz Font. The collaboration resulted in a successful “Celebration of
their Lives” due to pooled resources, skills, and talents providing tremendous help to the families.
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A: Advocacy is the keystone of nursing. As nurses, we have advocated for our families and friends but
mostly our patients and will continue. PNAMHFI also advocates for the nursing profession thus, the annual
scholarship program for nursing students and the advancement of professional nurses, and lastly advocating
for our community by encouraging the observance of ethical and righteous principles.
R: RESPECT speaks volumes of PNAMHFI, admiring all its members deeply because of their excellent
and outstanding abilities, qualities, or achievements, the classiest act of respect.
E: EQUITY in health care is each PNAMHFI member’s role in and out of the workplace. PNAA President
and PNAMHFI VP, Dr. Gloria Beriones constantly reminds us to advocate for HC Equity. Members of
PNAMHFI has participated and joined other organizations in community health fairs to benefit the
physical and mental health of the underserved members of our community. PNAMHFI will continue to
do more to improve healthcare equity for our community.