A fourth group of ten new caregivers was certified on August 07, 2013 at the Continuing Education (CE) Training Room of Palau Community College (PCC).  Senator Rukebai Inabo and Minister of Health Gregorio Ngirmang were present to commend the caregivers alongside PCC President Patrick Tellei, CE Dean Willy Wally, and Dr. Sylvia Osarch.

At present a total of 46 caregivers, divided into four groups, have been certified by this training program: (first group) Analyn L. Custudio, Audrily Osarch, Baily Nanawa, Benita Gabriel, Dechol Ngchar, Edward Charles, Eleanor Manor, Heidi Yoach, Jenifer Teliu, Jovanna Imengel Ito, Lemerie Tatingal, Lsau Masayuki, Miriam Chin, Razel C. Cuenco, and Yolanda Doktok; (second group) Alvina Marcil, Evalind Adelbai, Federica Balasbas Bukringang, Felomina E. Medina, Julita Tellei, Fraulein Rengiil, Malintha Wasisang, Mercy F. Ricky, Nora T. Nanca, and Rodora Atibagos; (third group) 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; (fourth group) Petra R. Glenn, Gloria L. Camacho, Sarina Taguba, Edna B. Dematawaran, Danilo S. Calaunan, Cheene Jane T. Arbis, Cherlita T. Arbis, Rose Ongalibang, Rebecca Liguton Crausus, and Gemma P. Sison.

Dr. Osarch has been a dynamic force in the development of this program.  She was involved in research that surveyed the condition of bedridden patients in Palau.  The research found that about 400 individuals on the island were bedridden with a majority being of old age.  A training course was formed through the collaborative efforts between PCC and the Ministry of Health based on a model provided by Dr. Ritabelle Fernandes of the Geriatric Education Center at John A. Burns School of Medicine—University of Hawaii.  Geriatric is a branch of medicine that focuses on the medical care of elderly individuals.

During the graduation of the fourth group, Dr. Osarch shared her vision for the program with Senator Inabo and Minister Ngirmang.  She believed that caring for bedridden individuals, especially the elderly is not only a personal obligation but a cultural expectation.  She believed that people who take upon care-giving duties should be compensated for their efforts, like the babysitters being compensated through the funding provided to the Palau Community Action Agency (PCAA).  Senator Inabo and Minister Ngirmang expressed willingness to support the program as well as promote its continuity.

The Care-Giving Program is a free training program open to all who are interested.  Classes cover topics about care-giving such as personal hygiene care for patients, food management, and personal stress management for caregivers.  Professional physical therapists, registered nurses, and experienced psychiatrists are volunteering as course instructors.  People interested in the training program are encouraged to join.  More information can be obtained about the program from the Continuing Education Department of Palau Community College.