More than 500 nurses, educators, and healthcare professionals from across the globe tuned in for the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network’s recent webinar, “Promoting Lifelong Cardiovascular Health through Secondary Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation,” featuring Dr. Dion Candelaria (Australia). The event—held in collaboration with St. Anthony’s College, the Pacific Nursing Service Organization (PNSO), and the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA)—was a resounding success, highlighting the crucial role of nurses in advancing cardiovascular care.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Aris Kendell Bungabong, Dean of St. Anthony’s College, set the tone for the session by emphasizing the shared mission of the organizing partners: “This webinar is not just about learning techniques—it’s about strengthening our collective resolve to promote heart health. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, and as nurses, we are at the forefront of both prevention and recovery. Our goal today is to empower every participant with knowledge that saves lives.”
The featured speaker, Dr. Dion Candelaria (a post-doc fellow at the University of Sydney and currently, director for education and professional development of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network), captivated the audience with his evidence-based insights on cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Drawing from his clinical and academic expertise, Dr. Candelaria explored innovative models for improving patient outcomes through lifestyle modification, early intervention, and multidisciplinary care. He also underscored the importance of patient education and culturally sensitive approaches in addressing risk factors among diverse populations, including Filipino communities worldwide.
Throughout the session, Dr. Candelaria reinforced a powerful message: that nurses are not just caregivers—they are advocates for lifelong health. His presentation bridged global perspectives with practical strategies for clinical application, equipping participants with tools they can bring back to their hospitals, communities, and classrooms.
The event was seamlessly moderated by Dennis Amando, Vice President for Engagement of the Pacific Nursing Service Organization, who guided the discussion with professionalism and warmth. The interactive Q&A segment saw participants from the Philippines, the Middle East, Europe, and North America exchanging insights and reflections on how to strengthen cardiac care within their respective healthcare systems.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Patricia Manalaysay, President of PNSO, commended the spirit of collaboration that made the event possible: “This webinar reflects what we can achieve when Filipino nurses across borders unite for education, advocacy, and excellence. Promoting cardiovascular health is not only a medical goal—it is a humanitarian commitment. Together, we build healthier communities and a stronger global nursing network.”
The success of the webinar reaffirmed the FiND Network’s mission to bridge knowledge, empower healthcare workers, and advocate for global health equity. As Dr. Candelaria’s session came to a close, one sentiment resonated among participants: that the heart of nursing lies in continuous learning and compassionate service—a lifelong commitment to healing, one heartbeat at a time.
