Metro Pacific Health (MPH) proudly hosted the Third Soledad Velez-Pangilinan Nursing Excellence Award (SVP-NEA), a momentous event held on October 20 at Shangri-La The Fort. The ceremony honored the exceptional contributions of nurses across its hospitals nationwide, celebrating their unwavering dedication, compassion, and innovation in delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.
The evening was graced by Metro Pacific Health’s hospital leaders and distinguished executives, with key participation from Dr. Harish Pillai, MPH Group Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Annabelle Borromeo, MPH Group Chief Nursing Officer; and Dr. Chanell Concepcion, MPH Head of Nursing Education and Training.
In his remarks, Dr. Pillai highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “Among all his companies, the one dearest to MVP’s heart is the health portfolio—Metro Pacific Health. For him to give us this endowment in the name of his mother, the Soledad Velez-Pangilinan Award, means a lot to us. It shows that our leadership, starting with our Chairman, has placed the focus where it truly matters—on all of you. On the excellence that you live and embody every single day. Today, we are here to celebrate that.”
Representing the Pangilinan family was Mitzi Therese Borromeo Pangilinan, the eldest grandchild of Soledad Velez-Pangilinan and eldest daughter of Rene “Chiqui” Velez Pangilinan, Soledad’s eldest son. In her message, she shared a heartfelt tribute to the honorees, saying, “We say that Metro Pacific Health is the heart of Philippine healthcare. When we say that, we speak of you—the nurses who keep that heart beating steady and strong. Your professionalism builds trust, and your passion reminds us that care is not only measured in work rate, but in heart rate.”
A distinguished Grand Jury composed of highly respected leaders and pioneers in the field of nursing and healthcare meticulously reviewed each nomination to ensure that only the most outstanding individuals and teams were recognized. Their collective expertise, drawn from decades of leadership, education, and advocacy in the nursing profession, brought depth, credibility, and integrity to the evaluation process.
The Grand Jury was composed of:
Hon. Leah Paquiz
Chairperson of the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) – Board of Nursing (BON)
Dr. Milabel Ho
Chair, CHED Technical Panel for Nursing
Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte
National President, Philippine Nurses Association
Col. Maria Victoria “Mimi” Juan
Consultant at Philippine Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
First Filipino to win the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award
Mr. Ramon Abejuela
A Highly regarded Corporate Director with Leadership Roles across Multiple Industries and a Civic Leader
Each juror brought with them a unique perspective ensuring that the awardees truly embody the spirit of excellence, compassion, and innovation that the Soledad Velez-Pangilinan Nursing Excellence Award stands for.
The awards honor nurses who embody excellence, empathy, and leadership across the following individual categories: Clinical Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and Nursing Education. While two team awards—Nursing Innovation and Nursing Service—recognize hospitals that demonstrate outstanding collaboration and initiatives that enhance patient care and safety.
2025 Soledad Velez-Pangilinan Nursing Excellence Award Winners
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Grace Dyan C. Maranan, MAN, RN, FISQua, CLSSBB
Makati Medical Center
Excellence in Clinical Nursing
Maria Patricia S. Zablan, RN
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
Excellence in Nurse Education
Wilven Jordan T. Romarate, PhD, MAN, RN, CLSSYB
Davao Doctors Hospital
Nursing Innovation Award
Medication Administration Record (MAR) System: Simplification and Innovation for Safer Medication Delivery
Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center
Excellence in Nursing Service
Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center
As the evening concluded, MPH reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing and recognizing nurses who uphold the highest standards of care. The Soledad Velez-Pangilinan Nursing Excellence Award continues to stand as a testament to the integral role of nurses in advancing patient-centered healthcare across the Philippines.
