.png)
PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIANA, INC
UNITY. GROWTH. SERVICE.
VISIBILITY. VIABILITY. VITALITY
.png)
.png)
Published: March 20, 2026
Popcorn, Politics and Perseverance
By: Earl A. Salavante, DNM, RN
PNA-IN President-Elect
On February 19, 2026, the Indiana Statehouse was filled with the aroma of popcorn, yes you heard me right; flavorful popcorn, a signature treat from the Hoosier state of Indiana and the energy of determined nurse advocates from different organizations. The event titled "Indiana Nurses are Poppin’ into the Statehouse," brought together nine premier nursing organizations, including the Philippine Nurses Association of Indiana (PNA-IN).
L-R: Peter Rufon, Dr. Katie Feley, ISNA, Francis Alaan, Melvin De Castro, Rayna De Castro, Cathy Wichman, IONL, Mattie Upano, Brandon Carwile, Dr. Earl Salavante
The day served as a powerful bridge between the legacy of those who built Indiana's civic foundation and the modern nurses who are currently shaping the future of healthcare.
Advocacy in the Historic Halls: Making the Nurse’s Voice Heard
​
While the popcorn added a touch of lighthearted "Poppin’" energy, the mission was serious. The primary focus of the day was direct legislative action. Leading the way for our organization, PNA-IN members joined other nursing groups as they moved through the Statehouse with a clear objective: to ensure that the expertise of the nurse, healthcare reforms and other advocacies are reflected in Indiana law.Lobbying with Purpose: PNA-IN members met with other Nursing leaders as well as their respective district representatives to discuss and lobby for critical bills. Their goal was simple yet profound—to advocate for meaningful changes that ensure nurses are heard, seen, and valued as essential decision-makers in the healthcare system. The event provided a vital space for networking. By collaborating with eight other nursing organizations, PNA-IN helped forge a massive, unified coalition. It was a powerful reminder that when we show up together, legislators really do stop and listen.
Walking Through History: Connecting the Past to the Present
As the day’s main legislative activities concluded, the program shifted to a historic tour of the Indiana Statehouse. This experience allowed the PNA-IN delegation to look back at the origins of Hoosier governance.The tour revealed a striking parallel: just as the historical figures of Indiana fought for representation and the integrity of their state, today’s Filipino-American nurses are advocating for the integrity of their profession. It was a moment of reflection—recognizing that the meaningful change sought by previous generations is the same fire that drives today’s nurses to seek a seat at the table of policy and power.
The Leaders of the Movement
​
PNA-IN was represented by a distinguished group that embodied the association’s commitment to moving forward with integrity:
Peter Rufon (Incoming President) and Earl Salavante (President-Elect) stood with other Nursing leaders, representing a new generation ready to carry the torch of advocacy. Matilde Upano (Executive Board Member and Former President) lent her extensive experience to the lobbying efforts, ensuring the continuity of the association’s mission. The collective power of our members was clear: the presence of Marina Pismarova, Francis Alain Alaan, Reynalyn Sojor and Melvin de Castro underscored that advocacy is a collective effort. Their engagement with district representatives showed that every nurse has a role in shaping the laws that govern their practice.
PNA-IN inside House of Representatives
Looking Back, Moving Forward
The event was a testament to the fact that nursing is more than clinical mastery; it is a civic duty. By "poppin’" into the Statehouse, PNA-IN members proved that they are not just spectators of history—they are active participants in it.As they walked out of the historic corridors, the message was clear: We look back at our history to understand our strength, but we move forward with the integrity and the advocacy required to change the future of healthcare for all.
L-R: Marina Pismarova, Mattie Upano, Rep. Edward Clere, Dr. Earl Salavante, Cathy Wichman, & Francis Alaan