The spirit of collaboration, leadership, and professional excellence filled the halls of Australian Catholic University as Filipino nurses, academics, clinicians, and health leaders from across Australia and abroad gathered for the 6th International Filipino Nursing Symposium on 16 May 2026 at the university’s Peter Cosgrove Center at North Sydney campus.
Organized by the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FiND Network), the annual symposium has become one of the most important global gatherings for Filipino nurses, providing a platform for professional dialogue, research exchange, leadership development, and recognition of excellence within the nursing profession.
This year’s symposium was graced by Dr. Marife Aczon Armstrong, Associate Professor at Chaminade University of Hawaii, whose participation reflected the growing international influence of Filipino nurse scholars and leaders. Nurses from diverse sectors of healthcare came together with a shared purpose—to strengthen Filipino nursing leadership while contributing to evolving healthcare systems worldwide.
The symposium featured a distinguished lineup of speakers representing clinical practice, leadership, workforce advocacy, and education. Among them was Dr. Benjamin Breboneria from Almoosa College in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who shared insights shaped by international nursing education and workforce development. Also joining the program was Michael Whaites from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, whose participation highlighted the importance of workforce advocacy, safe workplaces, and equitable healthcare environments.
Leading Filipino nurse leaders from Australia also contributed to the day’s discussions, including Abigail Marlow, Novie Onor, Aleta dela Cruz, Ross Pancho, Analou Cariaga, and Kim Santoalla. Their presentations reflected the depth of Filipino nursing expertise in clinical care, leadership, education, research, and community engagement across Australia.
The success of the symposium was made possible through the support of key institutional and industry partners, including Australian Catholic University, the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, Ronald Gatbonton of RightWealth, GLH Recruitment, Genfinity, and Ranest Castillo of Penta Properties. Their support reinforced the growing recognition of Filipino nurses as important contributors to healthcare leadership and workforce development in Australia and beyond.
The event also benefited from the support of media partners Global Filipino Magazine and The Philippine Times Australia, which continue to help amplify the stories, achievements, and contributions of Filipino nurses globally.
One of the highlights of the symposium was the recognition ceremonies honoring outstanding individuals who have contributed significantly to nursing, research, leadership, and community service. The prestigious FiND-DAISY Awards recognized nurses who demonstrated exceptional commitment to health equity, leadership, and compassionate service.
The symposium also celebrated recipients of the Lopez Award and the Honor Roll, initiatives that recognize Filipino nurses pursuing excellence in doctoral research and advanced education across different parts of the world. These recognitions underscored FiND’s broader mission of promoting scholarship, lifelong learning, and global academic engagement among Filipino nurses.
Special commendations were likewise presented during the event. Service Awards were given to Myrvee Ortega, Gleen Nestor Chua, Maela Babate, Ross Pancho, Michelle Tolentino, and Lovely Ramiscal in recognition of their dedicated service and contributions to the FiND community.
Media Commendations were presented to Shiela Cubero and Edinel Magtibay for their support in increasing the visibility of Filipino nursing stories and achievements.
Publication Commendations were awarded to Luisa Garcia and Aileen Lane for their scholarly contributions and commitment to advancing nursing knowledge through publication.
Leadership Commendations were also conferred upon Maica Malonzo, Alex Victor Palangchao, and Katrina Tanalgo in recognition of their leadership contributions within the nursing and Filipino community sectors.
Reflecting on the significance of the symposium, Dr Dion Candelaria, symposium convenor, emphasized the importance of building strong professional communities among Filipino nurses globally.
“This symposium is a celebration of our collective identity, achievements, and aspirations as Filipino nurses globally. It is a reminder that wherever we are in the world, we share a common commitment to excellence, service, and leadership.” he said.
The event also marked a meaningful transition in FiND Australia leadership. Dr. Maria Mares, outgoing FiND Country Representative for Australia, reflected on the importance of sustaining engagement and solidarity among Filipino nurses.
“Seeing Filipino nurses from different sectors and countries come together in one space is both inspiring and affirming. This symposium reflects the strength of our community and the importance of continuing to build networks that empower, mentor, and uplift one another,” she shared.
Participants described the symposium as both professionally enriching and personally meaningful. Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering created opportunities for mentorship, networking, and collaboration in research, education, advocacy, and leadership.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve globally, the role of Filipino nurses has become increasingly visible—not only as clinicians, but also as educators, innovators, researchers, and policy advocates. The 6th International Filipino Nursing Symposium demonstrated that Filipino nurses are not simply participating in global healthcare systems—they are actively shaping their future.
By the close of the symposium, one message resonated clearly throughout the venue: the Filipino nursing community continues to grow in influence, solidarity, and purpose. Through gatherings like this, FiND strengthens not only professional connections, but also a shared vision of leadership grounded in compassion, excellence, and global collaboration.Filipino nurses from around the world gather in Sydney for landmark nursing symposium
