Filipino nurse Maria Victoria Juan grew up inspired by her aunt, a military nurse who tragically lost her life on a mission. Despite the risks, Maria followed in her footsteps and became a military nurse herself.
On Thursday, she achieved global recognition by winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, outshining 78,000 other applicants and earning a grant worth over Dh900,000.
A Life-Changing Recognition
“I was in disbelief when my name was announced,” Maria said. “This grant will help me continue the work I love. As a nurse, I am committed to giving back to my community and country.”
Maria’s groundbreaking work as the Chief Nurse of the Philippine Army includes creating the country’s first aeromedical evacuation system. This system has significantly improved survival rates by ensuring rapid transport and early treatment for wounded soldiers, particularly in conflict zones.
The Turning Point
As a junior officer in a field hospital, one incident shaped Maria’s career. She recalled a soldier critically injured in battle who regained consciousness upon hearing a helicopter, ultimately surviving. “That moment made me realize the importance of air evacuation,” she said. However, the Philippine Army lacked air ambulances, a costly investment.
Undeterred, Maria developed a plan to train both medical and aviation teams to reconfigure combat air assets for rescue missions. Her persistence paid off when the leadership approved the acquisition of an air ambulance. In just a year, this system has saved multiple lives, including nine severely wounded soldiers. The army is now planning to invest in a larger air ambulance.
Maria’s Vision for the Future
Maria currently serves as a consultant at Philippine Army Health Services and is a Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. She plans to use her $250,000 grant to support two key projects:
- Vetiver Grass Technology: A sustainable solution to prevent soil erosion and clean polluted water. “We’ve already tested its success, and I want to implement it in communities across the Philippines,” she explained.
- Emergency Preparedness for Households: Maria aims to equip families with life-saving tools and knowledge to respond to medical or trauma emergencies. “Many incidents occur at home, so empowering households is crucial,” she said.
Covid-19 Contributions
During the pandemic, Maria established the Endurun Mega Swabbing Centre, training troops as medical swabbers and coordinating healthcare teams. The center performed nearly 500,000 Covid-19 tests, playing a vital role in the Philippines’ response.
Maria Victoria Juan’s dedication, resilience, and innovations exemplify the profound impact one nurse can make on her country and the world.
