A Bit of History

Established May 6, 1987

The Philippine Nurses of Georgia (PNG) began in 1987 when Frances Mesina-Abello, Precy Mallari, and Cora Tan pulled together a group of Filipino Nurses in Metro Atlanta. It stayed in its embryonic stage for 3 years.

Then, in 1990, Dr. Cas Garcia, the President of the Philippine Medical Association of Georgia (PAMAG), invited all Metro Atlanta Filipino nurses to his house for a meeting. His encouragement and support led to the rebirth of the PNG. Beth Villanueva was elected President. She continues to be a driving force in the organization to this day.

The growth and development of the Association was painfully slow. Members were few and mostly mothers nurturing their own families, as well as being nurses. The embers flickered but never really became a bonfire until 1996. That was a big year. The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta. The enthusiasm of the City of Atlanta regarding the coming event somehow sparked the remaining members of a dying association to be a part of the bonfire. It was an opportunity for PNG to regroup and be a part of the Filipino-American community for this big event. Venus Soriano was elected President. Since then, the organization has kept shining. For the past years, the Annual Scientific Meeting has continued to be a major success. We have more successful gatherings and a more organized volunteer force.

When Patsy Puyot, RN, heard about the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA) during one of her business-related travels, she presented a motion to the Officers and Members at a Stone Mountain meeting in March 1999 that the PNG become a part of the PNAA. After a thorough discussion, PNAA membership was unanimously approved. The May 2000 induction of new Officers was full of excitement, with PNAA President Lolita Compas as the guest speaker. We have been proud members of the nationally recognized professional nursing organization - the PNAA - ever since. 

In 2015, past presidents Pam Peterman, Lilia Hagler, Venus Soriano, Beth Villanueva, and Anita Granada formed the PNAGA Foundation.  It will be the organization's fundraising partner to advance its vision of sustaining a strong representation of Filipino nurses in Georgia.