On the evening of June 26, 2025, the Philippine Nursing World Congress in Davao City set the stage for a gathering that went beyond celebration. Fifty nursing leaders and distinguished guests came together for a special dinner sponsored by Berovan Marketing and Becton Dickinson (BD), creating space for reflection, fellowship, and renewed purpose.
As the room filled with warm conversation, the message was clear: advancing healthcare workers’ rights requires collaboration across professions, sectors, and borders.
Ivan Braga, RN, BD’s account manager for Southern Mindanao, addressed the group with updates on BD’s advocacy efforts. From improving access to safe injection practices to supporting capacity-building initiatives for Filipino nurses, BD’s work in the Philippines has steadily expanded.
“At BD, we believe that protecting healthcare workers means protecting patients,” Ivan shared. “Our partnerships with the nursing community are at the heart of this mission, and we are committed to supporting every nurse in delivering care safely and confidently.”
The dinner resonated deeply with the nursing leaders in attendance, many of whom have dedicated their careers to championing patient safety and the welfare of the profession.
Dr. Aries Baldonado, dean of St. Alexius College and national director of the Association of Deans of Philippine Colleges of Nursing (ADPCN), expressed his appreciation for BD’s engagement:
“Hearing about BD’s initiatives gives me hope that industry and nursing can work hand in hand to strengthen health systems. It’s encouraging to see companies investing in the long-term well-being of our nurses.”
For Dr. Cora Anonuevo, the founding national president of the National Association of Public Health Nurses (NAPHN), the evening underscored how much more can be achieved when alliances are nurtured.
“The work BD is doing is very inspiring, but we all know there’s still a lot to be done,” Dr. Anonuevo reflected. “It’s gatherings like this that remind us we’re not alone in advocating for safer conditions and stronger support for nurses across the country.”
Professor Rozzano Locsin of Florida Atlantic University, known globally for his contributions to technological competency as caring in nursing, also welcomed BD’s advocacy:
“This dinner was a testament to what is possible when companies like BD sit down with nursing leaders to listen and learn. It gives us the momentum to keep working toward shared goals.”
The spirit of the evening was one of unity and shared accountability. The participants agreed that BD’s advocacy, spanning local, regional, and global efforts, should be more widely communicated to ensure that more stakeholders, educators, and front-line nurses can engage in driving improvements.
As plans take shape for the next Philippine Nursing World Congress in 2027 in Iloilo City, organizers emphasized their intention to build on this new engagement. “We hope to keep tabs on this partnership and design a roadmap that looks into fresh areas of collaboration between BD and the nursing community,” one of the convenors shared.
By the time the evening drew to a close, it was evident that the dinner was more than a networking opportunity—it was a renewed commitment to advance safety, dignity, and support for every Filipino nurse. And with allies like BD, many left feeling that this shared mission is not only possible but well within reach.
