The Care-Giving Program offered by the Continuing Education (CE) Department of Palau Community College (PCC) certified a third group of caregivers on July 24, 2013. A total of 11 new caregivers were awarded: Huana Nestor, Melinda Wasai, Marivic K. Damian, Lizle C. Delos Santos, Morris Philip Apresto, Camille M. Reyes, Luzviminda Gatdula, Jugie Lea C. Montano, Villy C. Candari, Jennifer Mulsima, and Annabelle Tuquero Selario.

Minister of Health Gregorio Ngirmang, CE Dean Willy Wally, and Dr. Sylvia Osarch were at the ceremony to commemorate the new caregivers. Miriam Chin and Julita Tellei, caregivers whom had been trained under the program, were also present to show their support.

Under the instruction of trained nurses and physical therapists, participants of the Care-Giving Program offered at PCC learn to properly care for bed-ridden patients particularly those of old age. The program spans over a two-week period. Each week night a module is taught that covers a care-giving topic such as proper personal hygiene care for bed-ridden patients, food management, and stress control for caregivers.

Palau has about 400 bed-ridden patients. Because of the great need for medical staffing, Dean Wally and Dr. Osarch collaborated to create a training program that will fulfill this need. So far, a total of 36 caregivers have been certified under this program. A model for the Care-Giving Program was provided by Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes of the Geriatric Education Center at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Hawaii. Geriatric is a branch of medicine that focuses on the medical care of elderly individuals. The Care-Giving Program is free and open to any interested individuals.