BERLIN—A group of 13 Filipino nurses who recently arrived in Germany to take up employment were welcomed by the Philippine Embassy in the European capital on August 7.
The nurses, who were flown in by Geras GmbH and its Philippine recruitment agency partner Global Resource for Outsourced Workers Inc., have been undergoing preparations to work in Germany since 2018.
Ambassador of the Philippines to Germany Ma. Theresa B. Dizon-de Vega led the welcoming team, with Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer R. Cruz, Welfare Officer Sylvia H. Gabriel and Consul Catherine Rose G. Torres. The brief program was held at the embassy’s outdoor amphitheater, as hygiene measures were observed in light of the pandemic’s situation.
Dizon-de Vega congratulated the nurses for making it through various hurdles and wished them well on the next phase of their life in Germany, which is to be integrated to the said country’s society. The ambassador assured them that the embassy would support them should they encounter difficulties, and encouraged them to get in touch with the embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the German capital in case the need arises.
Cruz seconded this, and also encouraged the nurses to uphold the world-class reputation of Filipino health-care workers.
Geras GmbH’s Shaun Procter briefly recounted the long process of bringing the nurses in, which he was first inspired to do after experiencing excellent service from Filipino crewmembers of a cruise ship.
Thereafter, one of the nurses, Bryan Robles, gave a brief testimonial where he acknowledged the new batch of Filipino nurse-expats’ 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, their decisions are fulfillments of long-term aspirations for themselves and their families.
The program then segued to a more informal exchange, as each of the nurses introduced themselves and shared their respective journeys over a simple merienda fare from Ayan Filipino Streetfood Restaurant. DFA
Image credits: Berlin PE