A significant milestone in the history and valuable contributions of Filipino nurses was made when a group of committed and dedicated Filipino nurses organized themselves into the Filipino Nurses Association of New Zealand, Inc. led by Mr. Arby Manalansan, President, Ms. Monina Gesmundo, Secretary and Ms. Aisha Ronquillo, Treasurer. They took their oath of office before Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez at the Philippine Consulate General in Auckland on 6 March 2015. Witnessed by Philippine Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia, Philippine Honorary Vice Consul Virginia Araneta-Russell, Atty. Gene Bagsic, the Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Services Team and some members of the Filipino community, the oath taking ceremony highlighted the importance being given by the first officers of the Association to mobilize and harness the collaborative efforts of the Filipino nurses working in Auckland and other parts of New Zealand for the upskilling, training, capacity building, welfare and well-being of its members. They reiterated the need for Filipino nurses to come together in unity and solidarity for their common good and the advancement of their profession as they work and stay in Aotearoa.

Ambassador Benavidez, Honorary Consul General Garcia, Honorary Vice Consul Araneta-Russell and Atty. Bagsic congratulated Mr. Manalansan, Ms. Gesmundo and Ms. Ronquillo as they carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in the Association, commended them for their vision and mission and reiterated the support of the Embassy and the Consulate in their Association’s programmes, projects and activities for the benefit of their members.

Mr. Manalansan thanked Ambassador Benavidez and presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for fully supporting the Filipino Nurses Association of New Zealand.