Compassion is the heart of healing, and every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
For more than 24 years, Dona Lapiñete Manuel has believed that compassion is the heart of healing. A registered nurse from Hermosa, Bataan, she now works in the Outpatient Department of Danat Al Emarat Hospital in Abu Dhabi, where every patient, she says, deserves dignity, respect and kindness.
When the waiting room is full
Some of Dona’s most challenging moments have come when the outpatient department was extremely busy, with many patients needing immediate attention while feeling anxious, sick or in pain. Those days tested not only her clinical knowledge but also her patience and emotional strength.
What helped her was remembering why she became a nurse: to serve others with compassion. Even when she could not solve every problem immediately, she learned that listening, showing empathy and reassuring patients often made a significant difference.
“Sometimes, the greatest comfort is simply knowing that someone genuinely cares.”
A calling, not just a profession
Dona’s motivation has always been the chance to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Every patient she assists reminds her that healthcare is more than a profession: it is a calling. She stays committed because every act of kindness, no matter how small, can bring hope and healing, and she hopes to be remembered as a compassionate, trustworthy and dedicated nurse who treated every patient with respect and dignity.
Malasakit beyond the duty list
Filipino nurses are recognised worldwide for their compassion, resilience and strong work ethic, Dona says. For her, malasakit means caring beyond assigned duties: treating patients like family, listening with empathy and making them feel safe and respected.
“Whether through a comforting smile, encouraging words, or simply being present during difficult moments, these small acts reflect the genuine Filipino spirit of caring.”
Caring across cultures
Moving to the UAE meant working in a multicultural healthcare environment, caring every day for patients of different nationalities, languages and cultural backgrounds. Communication and understanding different customs were challenging at first. Dona overcame this by keeping an open mind, respecting cultural differences, improving her communication skills and learning from her colleagues, experiences that made her a more compassionate, culturally sensitive and patient-centred professional.
Shaped by home
Growing up in the Philippines taught Dona resilience, humility and the importance of caring for others. Her nursing education gave her a strong clinical foundation, and her training emphasised compassion, professionalism and patient-centred care, preparing her to work confidently in different healthcare settings and serve patients from diverse cultures.
Calm and organised under pressure
Working in the Outpatient Department has taught Dona to remain calm and organised during busy, stressful situations. She prioritises patients according to urgency, communicates clearly with doctors and colleagues and makes sure resources are used efficiently. She believes teamwork is essential in a crisis, so she supports her colleagues, stays flexible and focuses on safe, high-quality care. “Staying calm, communicating effectively, and working together allow us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”
“Working abroad is never easy. There will be moments of homesickness, exhaustion, and self-doubt. During those times, remember why you started this journey. Stay connected with your family, take care of your physical and mental well-being, and never hesitate to ask for support when needed.
Every sacrifice you make today is helping build a better future for yourself and your family. Stay strong, keep your faith, and never lose the compassion that makes Filipino healthcare workers admired around the world.”
Filipino Institute features Filipinos at home and abroad whose courage, sacrifice and success inspire others. Tell us your story, or nominate a kababayan whose journey deserves to be heard.
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