The Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Special Awards, recognizing three distinguished individuals whose achievements in leadership, institutional collaboration, and public service reflect the spirit and mission of the global Filipino nursing community.
The awards will be presented during the much-anticipated 5th Filipino International Nursing Symposium on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, in Sydney, Australia — a celebration of excellence and unity among Filipino nurses.
This year’s honorees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing Filipino nursing leadership both within and beyond traditional healthcare settings.
Rudson Al Barcoma, RN, MN, currently serving as a Clinical Care Manager for a major aged care facility chain in Western Australia, is awarded the Special Award for Leadership Excellence. Rudson made history as the first Filipino president of the Global Nurses and Midwives Rotary Club, where he exemplified visionary leadership on the international stage, fostering collaboration and strengthening the global voice of nurses and midwives.
Aris Kendell Bungabong, RN, PhD, the Dean of St. Anthony’s College-Antique, is honored with the Special Award for Institutional Engagement. Over the past three years, Dr. Bungabong has been a steadfast collaborator with the FiND Network, leading the successful delivery of numerous webinars and continuing education activities. His efforts to link the Network with various stakeholders have significantly expanded FiND’s global outreach and engagement.
Karissa Subedi, RN, MN receives the Special Award for Leadership Excellence for her groundbreaking achievement as the first Filipino nurse elected to a political office in Australia, now serving as a City Councillor for Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Her accomplishment embodies the expanding influence of Filipino nurses in governance and public service, inspiring a new generation of nurse leaders to venture into broader leadership roles.
Reflecting on the significance of these honors, Dr. Jerome Babate, Executive Director of the FiND Network, shared, “Our honorees embody the excellence, resilience, and global impact that define the Filipino nursing diaspora. Through their leadership and collaboration, they inspire the next generation to dream bigger and lead bolder.”
The 2025 Special Awards are a celebration of resilience, service, and excellence, marking another proud milestone in the ongoing story of the Filipino nursing diaspora. The FiND Network invites the community to join in honoring these outstanding individuals at the symposium, as we continue building bridges and futures across the global healthcare landscape.
