Baguio City (6 October) -- The declaration of the Philippines as an international testing site for the Filipino nurses wanting to find employment in the United States is viewed by Filipino communities in the US as a momentous achievement of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA).

The PNAA, with the full backing of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, spearheaded the Philippines' bid as a testing venue through its Task Force on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Led by Ms. Filipinas Lowery, the other members of the Task Force were Leo Felix Jurado, Lolit Compass, Seny Lipat, Rosario May Mayor and Reynaldo Rivera.

"It was a historic win for the PNAA and the Filipino nurses who wish to land a job in their chosen careers in the US now and in the future," enthused a young, bright-eyed Filipino nurse who arrived here recently.

Clearly, the approval of the Philippines as an NCLEX testing site was a big win for the country as well. Then, too, the PNAA achievement could be associated to the rising political clout of Fil-Americans in the US.

But for the PNAA, winning the nod of the US National Council of State Boards for Nursing (NCSBN) for the Philippines was not a walk in the park. It took years of dogged persistence and group mobilization to gain the NCSBN's approval.

Undaunted by roadblocks to its aspirations, the PNAA Task Force plodded on.

This single-minded purpose is encapsulated in the certificate of recognition presented by President Arroyo to the association during her reunion with leaders of the Filipino communities in Northeast United States at the Waldorf Astoria Towers on Wednesday evening (Sept. 26, New York time).

The citation hailed the PNAA for "undauntingly carrying on the cause, in spite of the long wait and disappointments, never giving up hope, but instead soliciting partners and supporters, traveling regularly to the Philippines and back, campaigning vigorously for success.

"For showing the true spirit of commitment, reflecting that the measure of generosity and compassion, dedication and professionalism, thus facilitating the ways and means for better opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare industry of the United States," the citation added.