Honoring Generosity and Partnership: Philippine Nurses Association of California Capital City (PNAC3)

Pamilya in Tagalog, one of the languages spoken in the Philippines, means family. Family is a cherished value that Hispanics share with our brothers and sisters from the Philippines and Filipino Americans.

This past October, members of PNAC3 collaborated with community partners to host a Health and Resource Fair. Together with Sacramento NAHN, PNAC3 provided free health screenings, vital sign checks, and health education. Nearly 150 community members attended and benefited from these services.

Image above: PNAC3 and Sacramento NAHN nurses, students, and nurse practitioners posing.

United as one large pamilya (familia in Spanish), we continue to build a partnership rooted in generosity. Over the past two years, PNAC3 has partnered with Sacramento NAHN to support the annual Día de Reyes Toy Drive and celebration. At PNAC3’s Gala on November 16, 2025, members proudly promoted the Toy Drive, encouraging attendees to donate toys. Their generosity resulted in more than one hundred toys collected, surpassing last year’s donations.

Leaders from PNAC3 Zyrene Marsh, Denise Prudencio (Vice President), and Jojo Melendres (President) declare,

"The partnership between the Philippine Nurses Association of California Capital City (PNAC3) and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) Sacramento Chapter exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing equity and community health.

For the past two years, we collaborated on *Día de Reyes* Toy Drive, bringing joy, cultural celebration, and hope to hundreds of underserved students at Las Palmas Elementary School. Beyond sharing gifts, this initiative fostered a sense of belonging and support for families facing economic challenges. The partnership’s impact extends further through free medical screenings and health education programs that reach vulnerable communities in our region. By combining resources and cultural insight, PNAC3 and Sac NAHN continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve."

This second year of partnership reflects the strength of our shared commitment to community, culture, and family. Together, our pamilya shines brighter with every act of giving. The members of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses are beyond grateful and ecstatic to join hands with such a generous group, celebrating a partnership that uplifts our community and advances the common good.

PNAC3 and Sacramento NAHN leaders, posing with Toys collected during the Annual PNAC3 Gala

President Elect, Martha Benavides, said, “Once again, PNAC3 members showed their incredible generosity through toy donations for the students at Las Palmas Elementary. When generosity meets collaboration, the magic happens—brightening a child’s holiday one toy at a time. With sincere gratitude, I would like to thank the PNAC3 members for their heartfelt contributions and for continuing to be part of something truly special this holiday season. The heart-warming effect of giving is truly priceless.”

"Through our partnership with PNAC3 and Sacramento NAHN, we're able to inspire our community to grow in healthcare and give back through events like the toy drive and health fair, and nurture future generations entering the healthcare profession." Karen Sanchez, active member of Sacramento NAHN

"United in service, inspired by culture, and driven by compassion, our Día de Reyes toy drive brings hope to every child’s heart."

Amie Ragasa-Sta Maria, active PNAC3 member

"Words fall short in expressing the gratitude we feel towards the wonderful PNAC3 members. Collaborating with the generous, compassionate, and kind individuals of PNAC3 fills my heart with joy and benefits so many in need. Here's to ongoing and future partnerships!"

Monica Aguilar, President of Sacramento NAHN

Together, we celebrate the power of partnership and the impact of compassion.