Aruga : The Thing Which Sets Apart Nurses Trained In The Philippines

Just recently, we came across the blog of British man, Malcolm Conlan, who sought out help via social media to identify a nurse who had attended to him during a brief confinement at the Makati Medical Center.

Said Malcolm Conlan in his blog,

Hi guys, hope you don't mind this shoutout. In 2007 whilst on a visit to the Philippines, I fell ill and was confined at the Makati Medical Center.  During that brief confinement, this is one of the nurses who looked after me. 

She is such a symbol of Filipino diligence and care.

Can you help locate her?  I wish to extend my thanks personally.

A few weeks later, the nurse was identified and our friend Malcolm was able to thank her personally.  She was Katrina Manansala, a nurse now working in Singapore.

Anywhere we go, whatever corner of the world, many people speak of the kindness shown by nurses trained in the Philippines.  Mind you, it is not just limited to Filipino or Filipina nurses.  We are talking of various nationalities, though predominantly Filipino, trained in Philippine nursing schools.

We see other nationalities come over to the Philippine Islands and soon enough, even those from foreign shores assimilate what we know as "Aruga".

Aruga, literally translated is tender care and nurture.  Beyond this simple definition, it implies going the extra mile and having the heart to attend to a neighbor's need.

Little wonder why Philippine trained nurses are noted world over.