Written by:

Rina Chanel F. Rodil, RN

cross the world, environmental problems are linked to rapid urbanization and economic development, such as air pollution, traffic congestion, garbage management and waste, water services. Through these problems, people were threatened to be exposed in different illnesses that can affect their living. Being concern with the destruction of Mother Earth is a start of a new organization that will be committed to be protectors of the environment and promotes health. Philippine Nurses Environmental Organization Incorporation was established by the founding President, Dr. Portia Z. Vitug, RN with her commitment to be a steward of the environment in line with prevention of health illnesses. She stated The complex causes of illness vis--vis environmental health which challenges the PNEO to look into the urgency of addressing the need to make our Professions be part of the solutions in the environmental health and develop a competent environmental nurse.The mission of the organization, We are an organization of allied health professional committed to creating social awareness to promote environment stewardship. Furthermore, their vision, To be a leading organization on environmental care in the Philippines.

Last April 30, 2011, PNEO was officially launched to the public at Robinsons Place Manila with the presence of Board of Nursing member Hon. Marco Sto. Tomas, Governor Ariel Pabellona, PNA Region 4, Dr. Angelina Galang, Xavier School Batch 83 Foundation, Ms. Rowena Masilang, Board of Directors, Registered Nurses, Student nurses and other guests. In line with this, the organization raised additional funds with memberships and sponsorships by their

major partners Robinsons Management, Getz Bros. Philippines, OLEA, HCAI, Alliance In Motion Global Manpower and Mayor Boyet and Rowena Masilang.

The unveiling of the PNEO logo were led by Hon. Marco Sto. Tom as, Dr. Portia Z. Vitug, RN, Dr. Rhoda Reyes, RN, Ms. Ma. Encarnacion Dychangco, RN, MAN and Ms. Geraldine Dimalibot, RN, MAN. The PNEO logo and its symbolism was created by the minds of Yoan Medina, Ailora Masilang, Vanesa Rovero and Rina Rodil. The interpretation of the symbols is as follows: *Tree is a symbol of antiquity and strength. *Fingerprint symbolizes uniqueness; it represents individualism and diversity since fingerprints are all unique as individuals. PNEO wants to leave a fingerprint in every individual with our MissionVision. *Green means to grow. It symbolizes hope and environmental protection. * Nurses cap is a symbol of one of the noblest profession professions The Nurse.

Hon. Marco Sto. Tomas led the official Induction and Oath Taking of officers and Board of Directors in the national level and in the municipality of Sariaya, Quezon.

PNEO

Song

was written and performed by Mr. Jerome Cleofas, RN. He made a conscious effort to write a song concerning environmental advocacy. He emphasized that We have pride in what we have and we strive to nurture the lives and the world we see around us the environment we served. And we vowed to care for nature and now well be your healing The officers in the national level were as follows: nurses to empower the minds for this cause with one voice we all proclaim. We are the nurses of President: Ms. Portia Vitug, RN, PhD Vice President, Internal Affairs: Ms. Ma. Encarna- Mother Earth, we are the stewards of health and cion Dychangco, RN, MAN hope, with the Vice Prsident, External Affairs: Ms. Geraldine Diair that we malibot RN, MAN breathe and the Secretary: Ms. Cris Sheena Quido, RN land we walk in, Assistant Secretary: Ms. Rina Chanel Rodil, RN Treasurer: Ms. Arrianne Joyce Tortuya, RN PNEO will stand Assistant Treasurer: Ms. Stephanie Medel,RN for a Greener PRO: Ms WireenDator, RN w or l d. T he song is also in line with the b at t l ecr y of PNEO which Pride of what we have in our environment so we can aspire to Nurture it by empowering others to f o l l o w t h e organization mission by Organizing activities that would enhance caring of the Environment. The beat drops into a beautiful melody and lyrics telling of the need to preserve our environment with help of the healing nurses.

Dr. Angelina Galang, environmentalist from Miriam College, shared her knowledge on environmental issues and its effect to our health. According to her, An example of environmental issue is mining. We dont have to destroy our forest for mining, we know that we will diminished our water supply and we will diminished our good soil which is not good for human health. The closing remarks was presented by Hon. Marco Sto. Tomas, which he stated, This is one organization we need at the moment because the concern for the environment takes a back seat. This is one that we need to articulate and promote more like in our curriculum. Before we look into other institutions, dapat sa bahay natin simulan. We are nurses of everything that requires care and that includes our environment. We are proud that we are nurses. Empower others and be the example. Destruction of Mother Earth is not only a threat to the environment but also to the quality of life. Living simply has resulted in us becoming more aware of the environment and the impact we have on it.