Earlier today, the 2nd Filipino Nursing Students Roundtable — a signature initiative of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora (FiND) Network — successfully brought together 24 participants, including 9 dedicated faculty advisers, from seven countries: the Philippines, Australia, USA, Canada, UAE, Qatar, and the UK.
This virtual gathering reaffirmed the growing strength of the global Filipino nursing student community. What began as a small but heartfelt conversation in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with just 12 student attendees, has evolved into a broader dialogue marked by deeper engagement, collective reflection, and renewed purpose.
The one-hour roundtable featured two simultaneous breakout sessions: one for faculty advisers and one for students. Faculty members explored good practices in supporting Filipino nursing students across diverse academic and cultural settings, while also identifying opportunities for cross-school collaboration. Meanwhile, student participants shared their academic experiences, voiced challenges, and exchanged ideas on building stronger global student connections.
Dr. Aris Kendell Bungabong, the roundtable’s convenor and Dean of St. Anthony’s College–Antique, reflected on the growth of this initiative:
“What an incredible hour it has been — filled with stories, insights, and a sense of shared purpose that truly reflects the heart of the global Filipino nursing community. Whether you were in the faculty advisers’ session or the students’ breakout room, your presence and participation made this roundtable more than just a virtual meeting — it became a space of connection, encouragement, and inspiration. From our first roundtable in 2021 with just 12 students, to today’s wider reach, we’ve proven that when Filipino nurses and students come together — even across borders and time zones — amazing things happen.”
A key outcome of the roundtable was the formal designation of St. Anthony’s College–Antique as the official secretariat of this student-focused sub-network. This move ensures continuity, coordination, and the future expansion of programs that will serve Filipino nursing students across the globe.
Dr. Jerome Babate, Executive Director of the FiND Network and co-convenor of the roundtable, underscored the deeper meaning of the initiative:
“This roundtable proves that even with different flags, time zones, and classrooms, Filipino nursing students are bound by a shared purpose — to care, to connect, and to lead with compassion wherever they are.”
The student session was masterfully facilitated by Arlynn Sanchez, a faculty member of St. Anthony’s College–Antique, who captured the event’s spirit in one line:
“Filipino nurses united across borders—nurturing connection, empowering collaboration, and fortifying our global nursing community.”
Adding to the celebration of this milestone was Irene Mayo, FiND’s Director for Engagement, who played a role in shaping the roundtable:
“Today is all about celebrating our identity as Filipino student nurses and faculty advisors, amplifying our voices, and working together to create meaningful impact in our local and global communities. Let’s learn from one another, support each other, and continue to lead with compassion and excellence..”
The breakout sessions were rich with stories, strategies, and aspirations. In the faculty advisers’ room, participants shared good practices ranging from peer mentorship and culturally responsive academic support to stress management strategies and leadership development activities. There was strong consensus that Filipino students in diaspora contexts face unique challenges — including cultural adjustment, homesickness, and navigating systems that may not always understand their values or needs. These discussions led to commitments toward future collaborations, such as joint webinars, student leadership forums, and regional support initiatives.
Meanwhile, the student breakout room provided a safe, affirming space for honest conversations. Students shared stories of resilience and resourcefulness as they navigated rigorous academic environments abroad. They also voiced the importance of peer connection and expressed enthusiasm for building a global student network. Many supported the idea of forming a virtual student-led group to sustain the dialogue and develop shared projects such as a newsletter, student blog, or mentorship directory.
The Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees — students, educators, and partners — for contributing to this inspiring event. The roundtable reaffirmed that Filipino nursing students around the world are not alone; they are part of a larger story, a global community bound by shared heritage, values, and the unwavering desire to serve.
As the roundtable concluded, one thing was clear: this is just the beginning. With its newly designated secretariat, expanding participation, and deepening sense of purpose, the Filipino Nursing Students Roundtable is poised to become a driving force for connection, advocacy, and leadership among the next generation of Filipino nurses — truly bridging borders and building futures.
