The Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FiND) continues to deepen its global reach with the appointment of six new country representatives who will officially commence their roles on 16 May 2026 for a two-year term. This expanded cohort reflects FiND’s growing international footprint and its deliberate investment in leadership that is both globally connected and locally grounded.
These appointments are not merely administrative—they are strategic. Country representatives serve as the connective tissue of the network, translating global priorities into local action while ensuring that the lived experiences of Filipino nurses inform international conversations. Working closely with Jerome Babate, Executive Director of FiND, and in collaboration with Director for Engagement Irene Mayo, the new leaders are expected to drive initiatives that strengthen professional networks, advance advocacy, and promote leadership development across regions.
A significant milestone in this cycle is the continued expansion into new territories, including the Nordic region, alongside the strengthening of leadership in established hubs such as the Middle East and Australia.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Billy Mercurio brings a compelling blend of academic excellence and field-based leadership. As Project Education Coordinator for Remote Area Clinics in Al Khobar, his work directly addresses healthcare access in underserved communities. His academic trajectory—marked by a master’s degree with academic commendation and ongoing PhD studies in Nursing Education—positions him to influence both practice and policy. His recognitions, including the Florence Nightingale Award for Filipino Nurses in Arabia (2025), affirm his impact in the region.
Representing the United Arab Emirates, Fitz Gerald Camacho exemplifies global nursing excellence. As one of the Top 10 awardees of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award—selected from over 100,000 nurses worldwide—his leadership is defined by outcomes: improved patient care, strengthened workforce capability, and system-level transformation. His expertise in pediatric healthcare and nursing operations reinforces FiND’s presence in one of the most dynamic healthcare regions globally.
In Reykjavík, Iceland, Wendill Galan Viejo represents a convergence of clinical expertise and strategic leadership. With a background spanning intensive care, education, and project management, he contributes to both frontline care and institutional development. His involvement with Landspítali University Hospital and the Icelandic Nurses’ Association highlights his commitment to quality improvement, patient safety, and professional advancement.
Finland marks a historic inclusion in FiND’s leadership map through Ryann Deloso, the country’s inaugural representative. A nurse entrepreneur and researcher, she leads MeCare Ltd., a homecare company in the Helsinki region, while contributing to healthcare technology research. Her work underscores a growing dimension of Filipino nursing—innovation and entrepreneurship—while maintaining a strong commitment to supporting fellow Filipinos navigating healthcare careers abroad.
From the Philippines, Resty Tan brings depth and continuity as a seasoned academic. With over two decades of experience in nursing education, research, and mental health advocacy, she represents the critical link between local capacity-building and global engagement. Her work in hospice counseling and lifelong mental health promotion reflects a holistic approach to care that remains deeply rooted in Filipino values.
Strengthening representation in Australia, Luisa Garcia joins the cohort as the sixth newly appointed country representative. Based at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Western Sydney University, she is an academic and registered nurse with extensive clinical experience in respiratory nursing. Her contributions to teaching, curriculum delivery, and student mentorship highlight her role in shaping the next generation of nurses. As an emerging researcher, her work focuses on ageing and aged care—areas of growing importance in both Australian and global health systems. Her appointment reinforces FiND’s commitment to strengthening academic and research leadership within the diaspora.
Collectively, these six leaders represent a diverse and future-oriented leadership bench—spanning clinical excellence, education, research, policy, and innovation. Their geographic spread reflects the evolving landscape of Filipino nursing, where influence is no longer confined to traditional destinations but extends across emerging and established healthcare systems worldwide.
Reflecting on these appointments, Dr. Jerome Babate emphasized their strategic significance:
“These appointments reflect FiND’s commitment to building a strong and responsive global leadership network. Our country representatives are not only connectors within their regions—they are catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and advocacy. Together with Irene Mayo and the broader leadership team, we aim to empower Filipino nurses to lead, influence, and transform healthcare systems wherever they are in the world.”
This vision captures the essence of FiND’s approach—leadership that is distributed, inclusive, and impact-driven. Country representatives are not simply representatives; they are enablers of dialogue, facilitators of partnerships, and advocates for the profession.
As the 2026–2028 term begins, the expectations are clear. In a time marked by global workforce shortages, rapid technological shifts, and increasing demand for culturally responsive care, the need for strong, values-driven leadership has never been greater. These appointments signal FiND’s readiness to meet these challenges—through individuals who embody excellence, resilience, and a deep commitment to service.
The expansion from five to six country representatives is more than a numerical increase—it is a reflection of momentum. A network that continues to grow, adapt, and lead. And at its core, a shared mission: to ensure that Filipino nurses, wherever they are in the world, are connected, empowered, and positioned to shape the future of healthcare.
