E-Paper
Sign In
Dubai: Filipino nurse who won over Dh900,000 award plans to invest in community health initiatives
She has pioneered the first aeromedical evacuation system within the Armed Forces, enhancing survival rates by facilitating quick evacuation and prompt treatment of casualties
- PUBLISHED: Mon 17 Feb 2025, 4:06 PM
After the tragic passing of her aunt — a military nurse who died at just 27 during a hijacking incident — Maria Victoria Juan’s purpose was ignited as she chose to be a nurse. Although she initially struggled to find her path, she soon discovered her calling in helping injured soldiers and improving their lives through various initiatives.
won the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024 and being awarded a grant worth more than Dh900,000 at a prestigious award ceremony held in India.
Maria's journey was influenced by personal tragedy. “My aunt's death made me realise the sacrifices nurses make,” she told Khaleej Times. “It pushed me to pursue a path that could honor her legacy.” Determined to make a difference, Maria pursued a career as a military nurse, joining the Philippine Army at the age of 22.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Her adventurous spirit and fearless nature drove her forward, despite the shadows of her aunt's tragedy. “I’ve always been an adventurous soul,” she shared. “I didn’t let fear dictate my choices. Instead, I embraced challenges head-on.” Her dedication and commitment led her to become the Army Nurse Chief at the age of 49.
Recommended For You
In her role, Maria has significantly contributed to the well-being of frontline soldiers. She has been instrumental in developing programmes that aid those injured in combat, ensuring they receive the best possible care. “Our soldiers are heroes,” she stated. “It’s my duty to support them in their fight, both on and off the battlefield.”
At 54, she pioneered the first aeromedical evacuation system within the Armed Forces, significantly enhancing survival rates by facilitating quick evacuation and prompt treatment of casualties, particularly in conflict zones. She embarked on an intensive nine-month aeromedical evacuation training programme while overcoming her fear of flying and deep water to complete over 200 hours of emergency ambulance conduction, alongside rigorous survival training.
“I knew that timely intervention could make a difference between life and death for our soldiers,” Maria stated. “Implementing the aeromedical evacuation system was not just a project; it was a mission to save lives.” She emphasised, “Every second counts in emergencies, and this system allows us to provide critical care when it matters most.”
Receiving the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in 2024 came as a surprise to Maria, who currently serves as a consultant at the Philippine Army Health Services and holds the rank of Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. She was selected from a pool of 78,000 nurses across 202 countries. “When I was selected, I was truly honoured. I realised this recognition isn’t just for me; it’s for all the nurses in the Philippines who work tirelessly behind the scenes.”
With the USD 250,000 prize in hand, Maria plans to invest in community health initiatives, emphasising that her mission is not just personal success but a collective upliftment of her community.
Maria plans to use the prize to promote environmental sustainability and enhance community health through key initiatives. One major project is the 'Nursing the Environment Programme', which employs vetiver technology for soil erosion control and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, she aims to empower communities in trauma management by offering hands-on training workshops and distributing first aid kits to improve emergency preparedness.
"Investing in our environment and communities isn’t just a responsibility; it’s an opportunity to create lasting change,” she states. Maria believes these initiatives will honor her nursing legacy and positively impact future generations.
The award, launched by Aster DM Healthcare in 2021, aims to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses worldwide, with the 2025 edition open for applications and closing on February 28.
“Every nurse has a unique story and impact worth sharing,” said Maria as she encouraged fellow nurses to apply for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, highlighting that their hard work and dedication deserve recognition. “This award is not just for me; it’s for all nurses who strive to make a difference. I hope my journey encourages others to pursue their own paths and seek the recognition they deserve.”
Waad Barakat is a senior reporter covering lifestyle and entertainment. From fine dining and fashion to exclusive premieres and celebrity interviews, she reports on the trends, people, and stories shaping culture in the UAE. With a keen eye for human interest and mental health stories, she aims to blend meaningful storytelling with a fresh Gen Z perspective.