- Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, and Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga selected among top 10 finalists from over 100,000 global entries across 199 countries
- Finalists recognized for exceptional leadership in healthcare education, policy, and professional development across the UAE, Hong Kong SAR, and the USA
- Winner to be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai on May 26, 2025, and awarded 13,915,746 PHP (USD 250,000)
- Finalists were selected following a rigorous evaluation process, led by an esteemed panel comprising expert and grand jurors, and independently moderated by the appointed Process Advisors, Ernst & Young LLP.
- Public voting is now open until May 19, 2025. Support your favorite finalist by casting your vote at: https://apply.asterguardians.com/voting
In a proud moment for the Philippines and the global nursing community, three outstanding Filipino nurses – Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, and Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga have been named among the top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for nurses. Chosen from over 100,000 nominations across 199 countries, these trailblazing professionals have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing nursing practice, healthcare policy, and equitable workforce development on a global scale.
Based in the United Arab Emirates, Camacho currently serves as a Nursing Manager (Duty Manager) at Mediclinic City Hospital in Dubai. With 14 years of international nursing experience, he has played a pivotal role in transforming nursing education and operational excellence. His leadership has driven initiatives such as the launch of a Life Support Training Center in partnership with the American Heart Association, a CME-accredited training program, and specialized Adult and Pediatric Upskilling Programs. Originally from the Philippines, Camacho is known for his patient-centered leadership style that emphasizes empowerment, mentorship, and resilience. His contributions extend beyond the hospital setting through his work with Operation Smile and teaching roles at the American University of Kurdistan, reflecting his global commitment to equitable healthcare education.
Currently serving as the Director of Clinical Education and Development at Insight Global Health in Boston, Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga is a globally recognized nursing educator and policy influencer. He leads national programs such as the International Transition to Practice Program (ITPP), a hybrid model designed to support internationally educated nurses (IENs) in adapting to Western healthcare systems. Previously in the UAE, he spearheaded hospital-wide education and accreditation efforts and developed training programs to enhance critical care and Emirati nurse integration. Dr. Tariga is a published researcher and award-winning educator, widely followed on LinkedIn with over 40,000 followers. He also serves on the board of the Society of Internationally Educated Nurses in North America (SIENNA), advocating for inclusion and competency equity in global nursing.
Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, currently based in Hong Kong SAR, is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Centre for Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare Policy at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A renowned gerontologist and researcher, his work spans the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and Hong Kong, focusing on ageing populations, caregiver support, and healthcare workforce resilience. His collaborations with the World Health Organization and various national health ministries have shaped public health policies, promoted age-friendly community interventions, and strengthened workforce retention strategies, especially for older nurses. Beginning his career as a nurse at age 19 in the Philippines, Dr. Montayre’s journey exemplifies a lifelong commitment to social justice and healthcare policy transformation.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The presence of three exceptional Filipino nurses among the top 10 finalists reflects the profound contributions of the Filipino nursing diaspora to global healthcare. Fitz, Jed, and Jose exemplify resilience, innovation, and compassion, values at the heart of nursing. Their leadership has impacted countless lives across continents, and through this award, we are proud to honor their extraordinary service and inspire future generations of nurses to dream bigger.”
Now in its fourth edition, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is among the world’s most coveted honors for nursing professionals. The top 10 finalists were selected through an independent, multi-stage evaluation process advised by Ernst & Young LLP (EY) and reviewed by an esteemed Grand Jury and Expert Panel. The winner will be announced at a gala event in Dubai on May 26, 2025, and awarded a prize of 13,916,746 PHP (USD 250,000).
As part of the final selection process, the public is invited to participate in voting for their favorite finalist. The voting period is now open and will continue until May 19, 2025. To cast your vote and show support for these remarkable nurses, please visit https://apply.asterguardians.com/voting
The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes: Catherine Maree Holliday (Centre for Community-Driven Response, Switzerland), Edith Namba (Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, Papua New Guinea), Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho (Mediclinic City Hospital, UAE), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (Insight Global Health, USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Tudor Subcounty Hospital, Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Cancer Research Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (PGIMER, India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (Hospital for Mental Health, India). To know more about the top 10 finalists, please visit: https://www.asterguardians.com/
