THE recipients of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (Pafioo) urged their countrymen living or working abroad to prioritize education, expand their skill sets and collaborate with like-minded individuals to achieve shared goals.
During a roundtable discussion with The Manila Times, Dr. Melvin Senicas, Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, Dr. Elvy Barroso and Dr. Janet Cuaycong discussed the importance of giving back to the homeland and local communities, serving as inspirations to the global Filipino diaspora.
Senicas, a Switzerland-based expert in vaccinology recognized globally for his work, emphasized the value of continuous education and collective efforts.
ROLE MODELS Awardees of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (from left) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas visited The Manila Times on Dec. 14, 2024. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
“There are two things that are really important. One is to never stop learning. One needs to study, learn something new, learn a language, advance your education. If you don’t, you will not be able to improve and advance in your career,” he said.
Senicas also underscored the power of collaboration.
“It’s really important to collaborate with others who are doing similar things. If you do it alone, you can achieve some goals, but if you work with a community, the impact is far greater,” he said.
Jurado, who has made significant strides in nursing practice and education in the United States, stressed the need for versatility in career development.
“Lifelong learning is important. Ensure that you keep growing. Diversify your skills and talents so that you are not boxed into one specialty because if you don’t enjoy doing one thing, go to the next,” he said.
Jurado, whose efforts as a former board member of the New Jersey Board of Nursing helped create equitable licensure processes for foreign-educated nurses, including Filipinos, shared how his involvement in organizations, such as the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), shaped his career.
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO
“When I became president of the association, I was able to introduce many programs. So, get involved, volunteer, and think about your homeland.”
He cited the Balik Turo (Return to Teach) program as a cornerstone of his contributions, where Filipino nurses abroad return to the Philippines to provide updated knowledge and practices in nursing care.
Barroso, who is based in New York, has been instrumental in combating tuberculosis among Filipinos. Her work has significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease by raising awareness about its spread and prevention.
Barroso highlighted the importance of addressing health challenges in underserved communities, showcasing how targeted initiatives can lead to impactful results.
Cuaycong, a prominent figure in the Philippine Nurses Association of New York Inc. (PNANY), encouraged active community involvement and continuous education within the nursing field.
“In nursing, we have so many things we can do by just being involved with the community,” she said. “We must give back to the community and always keep learning.”
The Pafioo honors the contributions of Filipinos overseas, celebrating their role in uplifting both their host countries and the Philippines.
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