ABS-CBN Foundation USA’s Sagip Kapamilya sa Amerika announces first batch of CNA graduates

July 27, 2009 - PRLog -- ABS-CBN Foundation USA announced recently the first batch of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) graduates of its Sagip Kapamilya sa Amerika (SKSA) pilot program.  Launched last May 15, the program aims to help those who have recently lost their jobs by offering free scholarships towards a CNA license.  

In commencement rites held at the ABS-CBN North America headquarters in Redwood City, California, the following 14 program graduates were honored: Alma Christy, Bonifacio Correa, Arcadio Domantay, Chichestermarie Gatchalian, Noeme Hart, Genevieve Huddleston, Charlie Jurado, Jacqueline Osbey, Paul Rivera, Edith Victorino, Li Wang, Eposi Westbrook, Alicia Wininger and Antonio Yamamoto.

“We’re very proud of our graduates who chose to take the step towards hope after facing the setback of unemployment,” said ABS-CBN Foundation USA President Mitos Santisteban. “This is what Sagip Kapamilya is all about: immediate humanitarian assistance when a crisis calls for such a response, in this case, a recession.  It’s our way of saying that we care.”

A CNA license, which can be obtained following a two-month training period, can help open doors for immediate employment in the health and convalescent care industries.  It is also a stepping stone towards higher educational opportunities leading to degrees as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs).

Partnering in SKSA is the Philippine Nurses Association of Northern California (PNANC), which provided the certified instructors for the practical institution.  The venue for the pilot program was made available by the American College of Nursing in Concord, California.

“The SKSA program is a story of compassion and collaboration,” said PNANC President Cherina Tinio.  “PNANC is thrilled to have partnered with ABS-CBN Foundation USA and the American College of Nursing in helping pave the pathway for our graduates to a rewarding career.  I’m also grateful to all PNANC volunteer instructors who gave their time and talent to make this pilot program a success.”

American College of Nursing School Administrator Marcio “Choy” Roxas said: “We’re committed to serving the community through education and training.  Partnering with credible organizations enables us to expand opportunities to provide that training, especially laid-off workers who want to jumpstart a career in healthcare.”

Aside from Santisteban, Tinio and Roxas, among the distinguished guests at the commencement rites were Consul Alfonso Ver of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, immediate past president of PNANC and former national president of PNAA Pete Calixto, CNA Program Director Mila Josue of the American College of Nursing, Executive Director Angelie Agbulos-Khu and Marketing Manager Edwin Khu of ABS-CBN Foundation USA, the16 volunteer instructors of PNANC and family members of the graduates.

A second batch of scholarships shall also be offered in Northern California in September 2009.  The plan is to replicate the program in other parts of the U.S. by early 2010.

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About ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (USA)
The ABS CBN Foundation Inc., (USA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to raising funds to help improve the lives of abused and disadvantaged children and women in the Philippines. The AFI USA began its mission a little over a decade ago, through the initiatives of its parent corporation, the ABS CBN Broadcasting Company, and currently includes programs: Bantay Bata (Child Watch) and the Children's Village, BayaniJuan , Bantay Kalikasan(Environment Watch), Educational TV (ETV), Bayan Microfinance and Sagip Kapamilya (emergency relief program).