Amb. Dizon-De Vega (center 1st row), flanked by Labor Attache Delmer Cruz and Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel, with the newly-arrived Filipino nurses.
A group of 13 Filipino nurses who arrived in Berlin in late July to take up employment in Germany were yesterday welcomed by the Philippine Embassy in Berlin. The nurses, who were brought in by Geras GmbH and its Philippine recruitment agency partner Global Resource for Outsourced Workers (GROW) Inc., had been undergoing preparations to work in Germany since 2018.
Ambassador Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega led the welcoming team, and was joined by Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, Welfare Officer Sylvia Gabriel, and Consul Catherine Torres. The brief program was held at the Embassy’s outdoor amphitheater with hygiene measures observed in light of the COVID-19 situation.
Filipino nurse Bryan Robles delivers a short message on behalf of the nurses (all photos by Berlin PE)
The Ambassador congratulated the nurses for making it through various hurdles and wished them well on the next phase of their life in Germany: integration. She assured them that the Embassy would be there to support them should they encounter difficulties, and encouraged them to get in touch with the Embassy and POLO-Berlin in case the need arises. Labor Attaché Cruz seconded this and also encouraged the nurses to uphold the world-class reputation of Filipino healthcare workers.
Mr Shaun Procter of Geras GmbH briefly recounted the long process of bringing the nurses in, which he was first inspired to do after experiencing excellent service from the Filipino crewmembers of a cruise ship. Afterwards, one of the nurses, Mr Bryan Robles, gave a brief testimonial where he acknowledged the nurses’ mixed emotions in coming to Germany to practice their profession at a time when there are also health challenges back home. He said that, ultimately, the decision is a fulfillment of a long-term aspiration not only for themselves but also for their families.
The program then segued to a more informal exchange as each of the nurses introduced themselves and shared their journey over simple merienda fare from Ayan Filipino Streetfood Restaurant. END.
