Photo Release

CHICAGO, 23 October 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago joined the Philippine Nurses Association of Greater Chicago (PNAGC), led by its President, Ms. Gemma Esmalla, in recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of Filipino and Filipino-American nurses during its 6th Annual Pugay-Kamay Nursing Excellence Awards Gala held on 23 October 2026 at The Carlisle in Lombard, Illinois.

Consul Ella Mitra-Yeager represented Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano at the event, which brought together nursing professionals, community leaders, and guests to celebrate excellence, leadership, and service in the nursing profession.

In her remarks, Consul Mitra-Yeager conveyed the warm greetings of Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and paid tribute to the significant contributions of Filipino nurses to the American healthcare system and their important role in the growth of Filipino-American communities, including in the greater Chicago area. She also congratulated the recipients of the Nursing Excellence Awards and commended PNAGC for its continued efforts to promote professional excellence, leadership, and service, noting that the achievements of Filipino nurses bring pride to the Philippines and inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.

Consul Mitra-Yeager also administered the oath of office to the new members of the PNAGC Board of Directors, reaffirming their commitment to advancing the organization's mission and serving the Filipino-American nursing community.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pugay-Kamay Nursing Excellence Awards to 13 outstanding nursing professionals:
1. Anna Julia Berg – Emerging Nurse Leader Award
2. Desiree Garcia – Behavioral and Mental Health Nursing Excellence Award
3. Benette Macailing – Nursing Leadership Excellence Award
4. Alma A. Jaruda-Palompon – Nurse Entrepreneur Excellence Award
5. Juliet Bayaua-Macaranas – Community Health and Humanitarian Service Award
6. Tracy Laluma Montesa – Nurse Educator Excellence Award
7. Dr. Katrina Cudal – Advanced Practice Nursing Excellence Award
8. Raquel Reola Paragas – Public Health Nursing Excellence Award
9. Anna Candoleza Muglia – Excellence in Nursing Research and Innovation Award
10. Avelino Enghog – Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice Award
11. Ebenezer B. Jereos – Nurse Business Leadership Excellence Award
12. Cecilia M. Beauprie – Lifetime Achievement in Nursing Award
13. Dr. Alvin Tan – Pugay-Kamay Nurse of the Year Award 2026

The evening also featured the presentation of PNAGC's scholarship program and new scholars, cultural performances, and fellowship among members of the community. END

Photo credit: Ms. Geraldine Gaden, PNAGC