Three global Filipino nurses vie for $250,000 prize in global nursing competition

Three exceptional Filipino nurses have secured spots among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, a prestigious international recognition celebrating excellence in nursing. Chosen from over 100,000 nominations across 199 countries, Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, and Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to healthcare and nursing education worldwide.

Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, a Nursing Manager at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai, UAE, has been a driving force behind innovative nursing practices, including the launch of a Life Support Training Center in partnership with the American Heart Association. His leadership has extended beyond hospital walls, impacting communities through volunteer work with Operation Smile and educational roles at the American University of Kurdistan.

Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga, currently the Director of Clinical Education and Development at Insight Global Health in Boston, USA, is celebrated for his expertise in nursing education and policy. His International Transition to Practice Program (ITPP) has provided critical support for internationally educated nurses (IENs), helping them transition into Western healthcare settings. As a published researcher and recognized thought leader, Dr. Tariga’s impact reaches a global audience.

Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, an Associate Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is a renowned gerontologist whose research has shaped healthcare policies for aging populations across multiple countries. His advocacy has led to age-friendly community interventions and strengthened workforce retention strategies, especially for older nurses.

Aster DM Healthcare’s Founder Chairman, Dr. Azad Moopen, expressed pride in the Filipino nurses’ achievements, stating, “The presence of three exceptional Filipino nurses among the top 10 finalists reflects the profound contributions of the Filipino nursing diaspora to global healthcare. Fitz, Jed, and Jose exemplify resilience, innovation, and compassion.”

The winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 will be announced at a grand event in Dubai on May 26, with the top prize amounting to USD 250,000 (approximately 13.9 million PHP). Public voting for the finalists is open until May 19, providing an opportunity for supporters to back their favorite contenders.