As a young girl growing up in the Philippines, I often watched my mother care for patients with kindness and dignity. Those early experiences planted a seed—a calling to serve others through healthcare. Little did I know that this quiet inspiration would one day take me from local hospitals in Manila to receiving one of Australia’s national honours.
On a sunny morning in January 2025, just after Australia Day, I stood among colleagues and fellow healthcare professionals as I received the National Emergency Medal—an honour presented on behalf of His Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia. It was a humbling moment, a recognition of service during national emergencies, including the bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
As I accepted the medal, I was deeply aware that this recognition extended far beyond my personal journey. It reflected the dedication, perseverance, and quiet strength of countless Filipinos who have chosen to build a life of service abroad. It symbolised the long hours, the silent sacrifices, and the enduring resilience that define our contribution to healthcare. This honour was not mine alone; it belonged to every kababayan who continues to uplift others through compassion, skill, and an unwavering sense of duty.
I came to Australia with a nursing degree in hand and a dream in my heart. As a Filipino migrant, I carried more than just skills; I brought with me the spirit of bayanihan, the quiet strength of resilience, and a deep belief in the power of compassion—gifts from my culture that continue to guide how I live, care, and lead.
My career has been shaped by unexpected opportunities that stretched me beyond what I thought possible and led me to discover a deeper sense of purpose. Each “yes” opened the door to new ways of serving—whether volunteering on a medical ship in Papua New Guinea, working with the World Health Organization, or contributing to national health efforts through roles in the Department of Health and peak bodies.
Along the way, leadership became one of the many ways I could serve. But it was never about position or recognition—it was about creating space for others to thrive, to feel seen, and to contribute meaningfully. It was about listening, learning, and helping teams move forward with clarity and care.
What I’ve come to realise is that a life in healthcare is a life of service. It’s about showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments, about making systems better so that care is safer and more compassionate, and about using every skill and experience to uplift communities—not just individuals. And when we lead with empathy and act with intention, we create lasting change—one person, one team, and one community at a time.
Today, as General Manager and Director of Nursing at Geelong Day Surgery, I carry my heritage proudly. I manage clinical operations, lead teams, and ensure excellence in care and compliance—but at the heart of it all is the belief that success is most meaningful when it lifts others.
Everywhere I go, I carry with me the pride of being Filipino. We may be spread across the globe, but the spirit of bayanihan remains at the heart of who we are. My story is only one of many. Across hospitals, aged care homes and communities, countless Filipinos are quietly making a difference every day. Our presence as migrants in countries like Australia is more than just a professional contribution—it is cultural work. Through our ethics, warmth, and humility, we influence how others see the Filipino community.
In our own ways, through acts of service, big and small, we honour where we come from. And in doing so, we continue to show the world what truly defines us.
