Today, 7 February 2026, the Global Filipino Nursing Webinar Series once again brought together Filipino nurses from across the world for a timely and deeply resonant conversation on leadership, identity, and professional courage. The webinar, “Finding Your Voice: The Power of Assertiveness in Filipino Nursing Leadership,” featured Irene Mayo, MCSc, RN (Australia) as resource speaker and served as a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about competence—but also about the confidence to speak, advocate, and lead with purpose.
Opening the session, Dr. Patria Manalaysay, President of the Pacific Nursing Service Organization (PNSO), framed the discussion with clarity and conviction. She emphasized that assertiveness remains one of the most critical yet overlooked dimensions of leadership, particularly for Filipino nurses who often navigate cultural expectations of deference and silence. As she noted, this session was not simply about communication skills, but about reclaiming space, dignity, and influence in healthcare systems worldwide. She described the webinar as an invitation for Filipino nurses to “speak up with clarity, courage, and purpose,” especially at a time when they are assuming expanded roles across global health systems.
At the heart of the webinar was Irene Mayo’s compelling presentation, grounded in lived experience and professional insight. She challenged participants to rethink assertiveness—not as confrontation, but as respectful self-advocacy. Irene reminded the audience that finding one’s voice is a learned skill, shaped by awareness, confidence, and practice. She underscored that Filipino nurses can honor cultural values of respect and harmony while still setting boundaries, articulating ideas, and leading conversations that influence care delivery and workplace culture. Her message resonated strongly with participants who recognized their own struggles in being heard despite their expertise and commitment.
The session flowed seamlessly under the facilitation of Dennis Amando, MPH, MAN, RN, Vice President for Engagement of PNSO. His thoughtful moderation helped translate Irene’s insights into reflective dialogue, creating a safe and engaging learning environment for participants across different countries and career stages. His role ensured that the webinar remained interactive, inclusive, and grounded in real-world nursing leadership contexts.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Maria Mares, Country Representative (Australia) of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FiND), who eloquently captured the spirit of the session. She thanked Irene Mayo for what she described as a “heartfelt and empowering presentation,” and reminded participants that assertiveness is not arrogance, but advocacy—for oneself, for colleagues, and for patients. Dr. Mares emphasized that Filipino nurses have long been recognized for compassion and dedication, and that the next step in leadership evolution is visibility and voice. As she shared, leadership means being seen and heard in the ward, the classroom, and the boardroom.
Throughout the webinar, a consistent message emerged: every Filipino nurse’s voice matters. Assertiveness, when practiced with respect and intention, strengthens teams, improves patient outcomes, and advances equity in leadership. The session also highlighted the importance of global partnerships in sustaining these conversations, with heartfelt acknowledgment given to St. Anthony’s College, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network, and the World Continuing Education Alliance for their unwavering support in making this global learning platform possible.
As the session concluded, participants were left not only inspired, but equipped—with language, confidence, and a renewed sense of responsibility to lead boldly and authentically. Each voice raised contributes to a collective shift in how Filipino nurses are seen, heard, and valued across the world.
This webinar was more than an educational event. It was a call to action—one that reminded Filipino nurses everywhere that when they find their voice, they also shape the future of nursing leadership.Filipino nurses worldwide join webinar on confidence and assertive leadership
