Honoring nurses who have taken their expertise in the nursing profession to greater heights, an alumnus of Filamer Christian University College of Nursing (FCUCN) was hailed as Advance Practice Nurse of the Year (APNY) 2026 by the Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, Inc. (PNANJ) in New Jersey, USA, Oct. 19.

John Engelbert A. Lagayada, a graduate of FCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 1994, received the award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to advancing his expertise in the nursing profession.

Lagayada holds the credentials: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner–Certified (AGNP-C), and Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN).

Spearheaded by PNANJ, the APNY awards aims to recognize nurses for their outstanding contributions and achievements in advanced nursing practice, highlighting the organization’s commitment to professional excellence and leadership in the nursing profession.

The PNANJ is premiere professional nursing organization for Filipino-American nurses in New Jersey.