Sigma Theta Tau in the Philippines

This year 2008, the prestigious nursing organization in the world is making headway in the Philippines. Thanks in part to the collective efforts of Lourdes Salandanan, Dr. Rusty Francisco, Dr. Caster Palaganas and Prof. FJ Babate.

I remember it took us four years to get ourselves organized and we waited for Lourdes to become a president-elect of the Iota Sigma chapter (Azusa Pacific University).

So it was in the middle of this year when Lourdes finally arranged a meeting with some of the nursing leaders of the country and introduced the Society. There was an overwhelming interest from these leaders.

Also in October of this year, through the combined efforts of Dr. Palaganas and Prof. Babate, the hosting of 1st National Nursing Research Conference came into fruition. Of course, this was made possible by a modest financial grant from Iota Sigma chapter.

Hopefully, with the Sigma Theta Tau International giving the go signal to proceed with the establishment of a Philippine chapter, we can rightfully say that we are now part of the growing international nursing community called the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.