19 March 2015 - A significant milestone occurred 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. 

The officers took their oath of office before Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez at the office of the Philippine Honorary Consul General in Auckland on March 06.

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 the officers as they carry out their respective roles and responsibilities in the Association. They commended the new officers for their vision and mission and reiterated the support of the Embassy and the office of the Philippine Honorary Consul General for their Association’s programs, 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. END