Filipino nurses united on May 3, 2025, in Sydney for the 5th Filipino International Nursing Symposium. Themed “Filipino Nurses’ Global Impact: Innovations and Best Practices,” the day-long event at the Kent Institute Sydney campus celebrated how Filipino nurses are elevating healthcare worldwide through innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
Irene Mayo, FiND Network’s Director for Engagement and a lecturer at ACU-Blacktown, opened the symposium with a heartfelt welcome that underscored the unity and strength of the Filipino nursing community. Her remarks were followed by inspiring messages from global leaders that framed the symposium’s significance. Among them, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended the “contributions of modern-day heroes who carry the spirit of compassionate service across distant shores”—a message that energized the audience and set an uplifting tone for the day.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Jed Montayre, Associate Head of Strategy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Nursing and FiND’s president-elect. He spoke passionately about the transformative power of innovation and the global influence of the Filipino nursing diaspora. “As Filipino nurses, we carry the strength of our heritage and the boldness of innovation wherever we go,” he declared, inspiring attendees to lead with compassion and creativity. His keynote was followed by a fireside chat facilitated by Dr. Jerome Babate, FiND Network’s Executive Director, offering deeper reflections on leadership, collaboration, and the future of Filipino nursing worldwide.
Building on this momentum, the symposium featured two dynamic panel discussions—one on clinical best practices and another on nursing leadership. Eleven expert panelists from diverse specialties shared insights on topics ranging from patient safety and mental health to career advancement and advocacy. “Filipino nurses are not just caregivers; we’re change-makers in every healthcare setting,” emphasized moderator Jayson Catiwa, a clinical nursing consultant and FiND Network’s Director. Through interactive exchanges and practical examples, the panels equipped participants with actionable strategies to bring back to their workplaces. A key takeaway was the collective power of Filipino nurses to amplify their impact by sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and leading innovation.
The event’s success was made possible by the generous support of nine sponsors: RightWealth (Ronald Gatbonton), OurDNA (Luke Seesink), Skill Market Australia (Kim Martin), College of Nursing Education & Training Australia (Naomi), Genfinity Philippines, Inc. (Atty. Michelle Duenas), Nurse On Demand (Melvin Gener), Penta Properties International (Ranest Castillo), Brightstar Nursing Australia (Rajendra Basel), and GLH Recruitment (Grenessil Histon). “We believe in the power of the Filipino nursing community to drive global healthcare innovation,” affirmed Ronald Gatbonton of RightWealth. “Supporting this symposium is our way of investing in the future of healthcare and honoring the nurses who make a difference every day.”
Throughout the day, delegates and sponsors connected in a spirit of bayanihan, exploring opportunities ranging from continuing education scholarships and mentorships to financial planning and international job placements. These meaningful collaborations reflected the trust and recognition that industry partners place on Filipino nurses and reinforced the value of working together to advance the profession.
An awards ceremony honored exceptional Filipino nurses for their achievements. Six nurses received the 2025 Lopez Awards for groundbreaking research and practice innovations. Twenty-one honorees were inducted into the inaugural FiND Honor Roll for earning their master’s degrees. Three special awardees were also celebrated: Rudson Al Barcoma and Karissa Subedi received leadership awards, while Dr. Aris Kendell Bungabong was recognized for outstanding institutional engagement. Each award announcement was met with warm applause as the audience shared pride in their colleagues’ achievements.
A memorable moment came with an advocacy pitch by Melvin Gener, founder of Nurse On Demand, who shared his entrepreneurial journey in a compelling five-minute presentation. Dr. Juanito Leabres Jr. of Wesleyan University-Philippines followed with an update on contemporary challenges and opportunities in Philippine nursing education, offering insights into the sector’s evolving landscape.
Capping off the forward-looking discussions, Dr. Maria Mares, FiND Australia’s Country Representative, presented the network’s recent initiatives and future plans. She highlighted expanded mentorship programs, educational webinars, and new partnerships with health institutions as ways the network continues to support Filipino nurses worldwide. “What we’ve built here is more than an organization—it’s a global family of Filipino nurses,” Dr. Mares remarked, inviting attendees to stay engaged and shape FiND’s next chapters.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Dion Candelaria, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sydney and FiND Network’s Director for Professional Development and Education, expressed gratitude to all speakers, organizers, sponsors, and participants for making the day a success. He urged everyone to carry forward the lessons learned and to stay connected through the FiND Network. Dr. Candelaria also recognized hosts Jon San Martin and Lovely Ann Ramiscal, whose warmth and professionalism kept the event engaging and seamless.
As participants departed, many described the symposium as both a reunion and a launch pad—a reunion of colleagues and friends, and a launch pad for new collaborations sparked by the day’s rich conversations. Attendees left feeling recharged with fresh insights and a renewed commitment to excellence in practice.
By day’s end, the theme “Global Impact: Innovations and Best Practices” had truly come to life. The 5th Filipino International Nursing Symposium affirmed that whether at the bedside, in the boardroom, or in academia, Filipino nurses are a driving force in global healthcare—leading with heart, innovating with expertise, and leaving an indelible mark.
