The aged care sector has gained a visionary leader in Filipino nurse Bert Roland Ubay-Ubay, who hails from Cagayan de Oro. Recently recognized with the prestigious Leecare Solutions Stand-Out Individual Award, Bert has dedicated over a decade to transforming aged care through compassion and innovation. His work has not only enhanced the lives of residents but also elevated team dynamics, setting a new benchmark for excellence in care.
When Bert began his journey in aged care in 2012, he was entering unfamiliar territory. “As an overseas-trained nurse, dementia care was something new to me,” he recalls. “Filipino nurses often gravitate toward acute care in public hospitals, so entering aged care was a unique path.” Despite the challenges, he found his true calling. “What kept me in aged care is the scope of influence—the opportunity to touch lives in a long-term capacity. Building relationships with residents and their families and witnessing the beauty and quality of life in old age have been truly rewarding.”
Bert’s leadership at Beachhaven Care Home has redefined care delivery, emphasizing both operational excellence and compassion. “To be an effective leader, you must communicate your vision clearly and make every team member feel valued,” he shares. By fostering collaboration and camaraderie, Bert empowered his team to achieve groundbreaking improvements in dementia care. “It’s never a one-man job,” he emphasizes. “Our success came from team effort, listening to each other, and providing opportunities for growth.”
Beyond work, Bert prioritized creating a supportive environment for his team, encouraging team-building activities where colleagues became friends. His leadership style has inspired not only his team but also aspiring caregivers and healthcare leaders. “Never stop dreaming, and when you dream, aim big. The world is your oyster,” he advises. Reflecting on his early days as a caregiver, he says, “Those humble beginnings fueled my passion to improve the sector, finding ways to make it better for residents and staff alike.”
Bert also challenges healthcare leaders to embrace their influence and strive for meaningful change. “Let’s be relentless in our pursuit of providing better care. Together, we can create a healthcare system that’s not just better than it was but even better for future generations.”
Through passion, innovation, and resilience, Bert Ubay-Ubay has elevated aged care standards and inspired a new generation of caregivers to lead with heart, proving that meaningful change begins with a commitment to make a difference, one life at a time.
