At the heart of Riyadh, where compassion meets innovation, stands Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC)—a beacon of healing, rehabilitation, and holistic care. Within its walls, a community of Filipino nurses embodies dedication, empathy, and resilience, serving as vital pillars of one of Saudi Arabia’s leading centers for patient rehabilitation and specialized care.
Leading this diverse team is Ahmad Al Baker, the Director of Nursing, whose journey from Staff Nurse in 2001 to senior leadership mirrors the transformative growth of the institution itself. With a Master of Science in Management from the University of Liverpool and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Jordan University for Science and Technology, Al Baker has shepherded SBAHC toward excellence through innovation, evidence-based practice, and an unrelenting commitment to safety and quality.
He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives—JCIA, CBAHI, and CARF accreditations, the Zero-Harm Project, and LEAN management principles—ensuring that every corner of the hospital reflects patient-centered excellence. Yet, for him, leadership begins with people.
“I want to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude,” said Al Baker. “Your unwavering dedication, profound compassion, and exceptional clinical skills are the heart of our nursing services at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City. You are an indispensable part of our family and a cornerstone of our success.”
His message to the Filipino nurses is one of appreciation and empowerment.
“Your contribution is seen, valued, and celebrated. I want to personally encourage you to continue developing your incredible potential. Thank you for bringing your best to our patients every single day.”
Among these dedicated professionals are nurses whose individual stories capture the essence of Filipino service abroad—stories woven with compassion, sacrifice, and pride.
Alma Propetiado: A Heart for Healing the Young
For Alma Propetiado, nursing began as a calling rooted in compassion. Inspired by a cousin’s devotion to the profession, she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Colegio San Agustin–Bacolod.
“My decision to pursue a career in nursing was driven by a profound sense of compassion and a genuine desire to care for individuals during their most vulnerable moments,” she shared.
With more than 17 years at SBAHC, Alma has become an integral part of the pediatric nursing team. She serves as a shift leader, preceptor for new staff, and relief Charge Nurse—balancing leadership with heartfelt care. Watching children recover and return home remains her greatest reward.
“Seeing pediatric patients discharged in stable condition after overcoming illness is priceless,” she said. “Involving families throughout their care journey ensures they feel supported and informed. That’s what makes this work meaningful.”
A two-time DAISY Award honoree, Alma exemplifies the compassion and excellence that define Filipino nurses worldwide.
Augusto Carlos Calilao: Rehabilitation Through Compassion
For Augusto Carlos Calilao, nursing is a lifelong journey of growth and giving. A graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation, he has spent twelve years honing his expertise across hospitals, clinics, and community programs before finding his home at SBAHC as a rehabilitation nurse and team leader.
“Each year has helped me grow both professionally and personally,” he reflected. “I’ve developed strong clinical skills, improved my communication, and learned how to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.”
Now leading a team in the rehabilitation unit, Augusto focuses on restoring function, independence, and dignity to his patients.
“This area of practice allows me to apply both my clinical skills and compassion to make a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives every day,” he said.
Febee Rose Baladjay Obdamen: Leading with Empathy
Febee Rose Baladjay Obdamen, born in Antique, Philippines, began her journey at Olivarez College–Parañaque and now serves as a Charge Nurse in Rehab-Surgical Units at SBAHC. Her rise from staff nurse to exemplary nurse leader is a testament to her passion and discipline.
Her team, which has received the DAISY Team Award, stands as a model of excellence in collaborative nursing. Febee, who is also an active member of the Nursing Research Committee and co-author of published studies, embodies SBAHC’s culture of continuous improvement.
“Be proud to be a Filipino nurse,” she said with conviction. “Let’s be the kind of nurses we’d want to work with—compassionate, resilient, adaptive, and kind. Together, let’s raise our flag high and show the world the true spirit of Filipino nursing.”
Her advice to colleagues carries the warmth and wisdom of experience: “Always think safely, work safely, and stay safe.”
John Adelbert Encarguez: From Call Centers to Clinical Leadership
Not every nursing journey follows a straight line, and John Adelbert A. Encarguez’s story is proof. A graduate of Far Eastern University–Manila, John initially worked in the BPO industry before rediscovering his calling in healthcare. He joined SBAHC as a Nurse Aide, later advancing to Clinical Resource Nurse, a role in which he educates and supports frontline staff.
“I’ve been working as a nurse for almost 10 years now,” he said. “My main task is to make sure our frontlines are up-to-date and safe in practicing their profession by educating them and working alongside them in the units.”
From caring for surgical and trauma patients to volunteering during the COVID-19 crisis, John represents the courage and adaptability that define overseas Filipino nurses. Now a family man, he continues to balance professional excellence with personal purpose.
Jenz Krizia Jimenez: Finding Joy in Recovery
Jenz Krizia Jimenez has dedicated nearly 15 years to pediatric rehabilitation. Her days are filled with monitoring treatments, crafting care plans, and offering emotional support to families. For Jenz, the reward lies in teamwork and transformation.
“What I enjoy most about my work is the collaborative environment,” she shared. “Working closely to improve services honed my problem-solving skills and taught me the importance of communication and teamwork. Observing a patient’s recovery and seeing them return to health is a rewarding experience.”
Outside work, Jenz finds joy in cooking for her family, talking to her kids, and caring for her dogs—simple pleasures that keep her grounded amid the demands of nursing life abroad.
Grace Bug-atan Leal: Leading with Strength and Staying Rooted
Born in Leyte, Grace Bug-atan Leal has built a career defined by compassion and leadership. A mother of three and proud parent of a Cum Laude graduate, she balances her dedication to nursing with an unshakable devotion to family and homeland.
“I stay connected to my Filipino roots by surrounding myself with people and activities that remind me of home,” she said. “Participating in Filipino community gatherings and taking vacations to reconnect with family help me maintain that sense of belonging.”
For Grace, being abroad does not mean being apart. Her remittances and civic participation, including voting, are extensions of her love for country.
“These practices keep my identity alive and remind me that no matter where I am, I remain proudly Filipino,” she added.
The Filipino Spirit of Care
The stories of Alma, Augusto, Febee, John, Jenz, and Grace reflect the shared spirit of thousands of Filipino nurses working across Saudi Arabia—nurses who have left home not just to earn a living but to make a difference. Their resilience and compassion are woven into the fabric of SBAHC’s excellence.
Director Ahmad Al Baker believes that Filipino nurses are vital to the institution’s success.
“You are central to our most important achievements—maintaining high patient standards, ensuring safety, and delivering excellent care experiences,” he said. “Let us continue to work together to make our organization a beacon of nursing excellence.”
As Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City continues to grow as a regional leader in healthcare and rehabilitation, the Filipino nurses who serve within it stand as living proof of how global healthcare thrives on diversity, empathy, and shared purpose. Their stories remind us that the true measure of excellence lies not only in clinical skill but in the compassion that touches every life they care for.
