Pinoy nurse bags prestigious award in India

Retired Colonel Maria Victoria Juan is welcomed home after winning an award in India on December 1, 2024 at NAIA Terminal 3. Jessie Cruzat, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- For the first time, a Filipina nurse has been honored with a prestigious award in India, recognizing her dedication and service as the Chief Nurse of the Philippine Army.

Retired Colonel Maria Victoria Juan, fondly known as "Mimi" to her colleagues and friends, was welcomed at NAIA Terminal 3 with cheers and waving Philippine flags, Sunday afternoon. 

She is the first Filipino to win the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which was held in India on November 28.   

“Napakasaya talaga. Hindi ko akalain kasi magagaling din ‘yong aking kapwa nominees e. Naisip ko na lang, iba talaga ang Pinoy nurses di 'ba. 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,” said Juan.   

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Among 78,000 applicants from more than 200 countries, Juan was selected as the winner of the global recognition. 

Juan also brought home $250,000, equivalent to more than PHP14 million.   

With 34 years of service as a military nurse, including seven years as the Army Chief Nurse, Juan introduced innovations in medical services. 

One of her significant contributions was the development of the Aeromedical Evacuation System, which improved the speed and efficiency of providing care to injured soldiers.   

“‘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. 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,” Juan explained.   

Meanwhile, Adrian, one of Juan’s children, could not hold back tears as he expressed pride in his mother’s achievement.  

“Personally I witness her journey and I saw her sacrifices in our family. I saw how much she worked hard for this achievement and I believe that she deserves it and I’m very proud of her,” Adrian said.   

Pinay nurse pinarangalan ng Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award sa India

Her former colleague, Reziah Cruz, also expressed admiration. “I could say she’s really hardworking and compassionate. I stayed in the office of the chief nurse during that time. I’ve seen her heart and compassion towards the betterment of the nursing practice,” Cruz noted.   

Although Juan retired last May, she remains committed to her lifelong mission of service.   

“Ang dami kong natutunan sa loob ng AFP. Ang gagaling nila magturo. Ang dami kong nakita na pwede kong i-replicate outside sa mas malaking mundo,” Juan shared.   

Part of her prize will be allocated to environmental advocacies. 

For Juan, the award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the quality of work and dedication of nurses worldwide.