FILIPINO nurses continue to bring pride to the entire nation in any way they can, as another nurse received a prestigious award in Bengaluru, India, for her commitment and duty as the Chief Nurse of the Philippine Army.
Retired Colonel Maria Victoria Juan earned the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in 2024. She is a consultant for the Philippine Army Health Services and a Colonel Reserve Force Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Furthermore, she outperformed 78,000 nurses from 202 nations throughout the world. The Filipina nurse received the prize, as well as $250,000. Part of her reward will go to environmental causes.
A pioneer
Juan was in charge of establishing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) first aeromedical evacuation system. A system that has significantly increased survival rates through speedy evacuation and early treatment of victims.
Juan ensures the successful construction and maintenance of the aeromedical evacuation system by conceptualizing, planning, and financing, as well as recruiting a team of doctors, nurses and aviation experts.
“‘Yong aeromedical system ay nagsimula ‘yon sa Philippine Air Force na talagang buwis-buhay talaga sila habang nagbibigay ng care on the air habang binabakbakan sila ng mga bala,” Juan explained to a media.
“Sumunod ang Navy. Ngayon sa amin sa army, kami ‘yong medyo nahuli pero kami ang nag-expand. Pinaganda lang namin, pinadagdagan namin ng air ambulance,” she added.
Warm welcome
Juan, the first Filipino recipient of the honor, was greeted warmly by her coworkers and friends at NAIA Terminal 3, who cheered and waved Philippine flags Sunday afternoon.
“Napakasaya talaga. Hindi ko akalain kasi magagaling din ‘yong aking kapwa nominees e. Naisip ko na lang, iba talaga ang Pinoy nurses di ‘ba,” Juan said in an interview with the media.
“Akala ko ‘yong natural o routine lang na ginagawa namin, hinahangaan pala sa labas kasi kakaiba nga. Kaya lahat ng Pinoy nurses, wag kayong [mawalan] ng self confidence.”
“Talagang kailangan itaas ninyo ang bandila natin. Magagaling talaga tayo,” the retired Colonel said, trying to inspire all other Filipino nurses around the country and all over the world.
Juan retired last May, but he remains committed to his lifelong objective of serving others. For Juan, the prize is more than simply a personal achievement; it also demonstrates the quality of work and dedication of nurses around the world.
