For the third consecutive year, the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FiND) proudly presents the Lopez Award, alongside the second year of the FiND Honor Roll—two prestigious recognitions that celebrate the exceptional scholarly achievements of Filipino nurses across the globe. Together, these awards affirm a powerful truth: Filipino nurses are not only indispensable members of the global health workforce, but also influential contributors to nursing research, education, policy, and innovation.
In an era marked by complex health challenges, workforce shortages, and rapid system transformation, the importance of nurse-led scholarship has never been greater. The Lopez Award and the Honor Roll respond to this moment by shining a spotlight on Filipino nurses who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, elevating educational standards, and shaping the future of healthcare in their respective countries and beyond.
The Lopez Award: Advancing Global Nursing Knowledge
Now in its third year, the Lopez Award recognizes Filipino nurses who have completed or are undertaking outstanding doctoral research that contributes meaningfully to nursing science, education, and practice. This year’s awardees represent a truly global cohort, spanning the Middle East, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Nordic region. Their work reflects the breadth, depth, and relevance of Filipino nursing scholarship in addressing both local and global health priorities.
2025 Lopez Awardees
- Abdulkarim O. Agga (Qatar)
Doctoral Research: “Caring Nurse–Patient Interaction, Patient Satisfaction, and Quality of Life of Patients in Home Health Care” - Edmon S. Regachuelo (United States of America)
Doctoral Research: “Organizational Culture and Professional Quality of Life of Filipino Nurse Educators in the USA: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach” - Cherry Ann Ballad (Oman)
Doctoral Research: “Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Toxic Work Environment for Nursing Faculty Scale (TWENFS)” - Ma. Christine Rose Orbase (New Zealand)
Doctoral Research: “A Nurse-Led Capacity Building Program for Dementia Caregivers Based on a Person-Centered Care Approach” - Princess Villamin (Australia)
Doctoral Research: “Retention of Migrant Nurses in Regional Western Australia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study” - Ardee L. Domingo (United States of America)
Doctoral Research: “Development of a Proposed Certification Program on Simulation-Based Teaching for Nurse Educators: A Multi-Phased Design” - Pablito Robert Gahol (United States of America)
Doctoral Research: “Perspectives of Healthcare Leaders on Effective Communication and Interprofessional Collaboration among Professional Caregivers in Intensive Care Units in the U.S.” - Albien Rafael Tubungbanua (United States of America)
Doctoral Research: “The Lived Experience of Doctoral Nursing Students with English as an Additional Language (EAL): Perspectives from Graduates” - William Son Galanza (Sweden)
Doctoral Research: “Technologies Supporting Engagement in Everyday Activities in Later Life” - Floro Cubelo (Finland)
Doctoral Research: “Building Pathways for Filipino Internationally Educated Nurses’ Mobility to the Nordic Region: Recruit, Integrate, Retain, and Sustain – A Nurse Labour Migration Model”
Collectively, these studies address critical issues such as patient experience, workforce wellbeing, educational quality, dementia care, migrant nurse retention, simulation pedagogy, interprofessional collaboration, doctoral education, ageing, digital health, and international nurse mobility. They demonstrate how Filipino nurses are contributing evidence that informs policy, strengthens education, and improves care outcomes across diverse health systems.
The Honor Roll: Recognizing Excellence in Advanced Education
Complementing the Lopez Award is the FiND Honor Roll, now in its second year. The Honor Roll acknowledges Filipino nurses who have completed master’s-level degrees, reflecting sustained commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and academic excellence. While doctoral research often shapes systems and policy, master’s education remains a critical engine for advancing clinical practice, leadership, and specialized expertise.
2025 Honor Roll Recipients
- Aileen Vidal (Australia) – Master in Clinical Nursing Practice
- Arnel Mondejar (United States of America) – Master of Health Administration
- Ian Alexis Bachini (Canada) – Master of Nursing
- Jan Arriola (United Kingdom) – Master of Science in Leadership and Management
- Jay-R Plogio (United Kingdom) – Master of Science in Diabetes Clinical Care and Management
- Claudine Rhea Sun (United Kingdom) – Master of Science in Clinical Research Delivery
- Russ Alzona (New Zealand) – Master of Health Science in Nursing
- Terrence Joseph Dizon (Canada) – Master of Nursing
- Alexandra Yap (Australia) – Master of Nursing
The Honor Roll serves as an acknowledgment of the relentless pursuit of knowledge by Filipino nurses worldwide. These individuals exemplify the values of lifelong learning and professional excellence, reinforcing the critical role of advanced education in strengthening global nursing practice and leadership pipelines.
Why These Recognitions Matter
Reflecting on the significance of the Lopez Award and Honor Roll, FiND Executive Director Dr. Jerome Babate emphasized their broader meaning beyond individual celebration. He noted that the Lopez Award and Honor Roll are vital in highlighting the remarkable contributions of Filipino nurses in research and education. More than honoring individual milestones, these recognitions affirm the growing global influence of Filipino nurses in shaping healthcare practice, education, and policy.
FiND President Dr. Jed Montayre further articulated two core reasons underpinning the recognition program. First, he explained that the Lopez Award promotes excellence in nursing education and research by acknowledging scholars whose work directly influences practice, patient care, and health outcomes, while the Honor Roll celebrates educational achievements that are shaping the future nursing workforce through advanced degrees. Second, he highlighted the program’s role in inspiring future generations. By publicly celebrating these scholars, FiND encourages emerging Filipino nurses to pursue higher education, engage in research, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare systems worldwide.
A Legacy of Excellence
At the heart of these recognitions is a legacy inspired by the visionary leadership of Professor Violeta Lopez, whose lifelong commitment to nursing education, research, and global collaboration continues to shape FiND’s mission. The Lopez Award and the Honor Roll stand as living tributes to her belief that Filipino nurses belong not only at the bedside, but also at the forefront of scholarship, leadership, and global health dialogue.
As FiND continues to expand its global reach, these recognitions reaffirm a powerful narrative: that Filipino nurses are advancing knowledge, strengthening education, and influencing healthcare systems across continents. The Lopez Award and the Honor Roll do more than recognize excellence—they help build a global community of Filipino nurse scholars whose work will continue to transform nursing and healthcare for generations to come.FiND celebrates outstanding Filipino nurse researchers and master’s degree graduates
