A duo of newcomers from the Philippines is sharing their skills by providing health care to the community in Ashern.
Aldine Colobong arrived on April 23 with her husband Johnny, son Matthew and daughter Maria as a participant in the Philippines recruitment initiative. She joined Jessica Dela Rosa, who arrived on March 4 through the same initiative with her husband Fortunato and daughter Fevrierbelle. Colobong and Dela Rosa are now both working as health-care aides in Lakeshore General Hospital in Ashern. Colobong’s husband and son are also working in support services at the hospital.
In addition to Colobong and Dela Rosa, three other employees have joined Ashern’s workforce through the Philippines recruitment initiative: John Valdez, Fatima Oriesga and Melgie Soria, who are all serving as health-care aides at Ashern Personal Care Home. Valdez’s wife Ronella is working as a pharmacy assistant at EM Crowe Memorial Hospital in Eriksdale.
For Colobong, it was a natural fit since her interest in health care sparked at a young age.
“My passion with health care was rooted since I was a young kid seeing my late mother working as a rural health nurse in our community back then,” she said.
“I stayed this long with my profession because I love and enjoy caring for my patients’ welfare, and I couldn’t think of any other work other than being a health-care provider.”
She launched her career in the Philippines with a four-year stint as an emergency room nurse. Then in 2004, Colobong began working in Saudi Arabia, where she spent almost 20 years employed in government hospitals with experience in the accident and emergency department and in the home health-care department.
“It was tough because I only got to see my children twice a year, for just a month, when I was on vacation. So when the opportunity to apply and be interviewed by Shared Health came in February of 2023, I only had but one thing in my mind at that time — to make it to Manitoba, bring my family with me and I will no longer be alone,” said Colobong, who also spent four years working as an emergency room nurse in the Philippines before she moved to Saudi Arabia.
“Working in Manitoba means to be with my family — and maybe not too late to make up missed growing up years with my children.”
She didn’t hesitate to accept the employment offer and embraced the opportunity to embark on a new and challenging experience in Canada.
“I get excited that finally I will be able to see the real maple tree, verdant gardens and lakes and, of course, to be able to experience snow for the first time,” she said. “Working in Manitoba makes me look forward to bigger opportunities for me, my husband and my children.”
At the same time, she knows she’ll miss the year-round warm weather of the Philippines as well as their strong family ties.
“I do miss my sister, my brothers, nieces and my Aunt Neneng, whom I looked up to as my second mom,” Colobong said. “When me and my siblings became orphaned five years ago, we made sure that special occasions like Christmas holidays and Lenten season are celebrated in our beloved hometown, Bayawan City.”
She’s thankful to be in Manitoba with her family, and she also appreciates all the help they’ve received throughout their transition. She expressed gratitude for being greeted at the airport and taken on their first shopping experience in the city before being driven to Ashern with all their belongings.
“Our journey to Manitoba is bliss, if I may say. We are fortunate to have had various people along the way who took care of us from Day 1,” she said.
“In Ashern, Fieldstone Ventures Education and Training Centre employees, namely Julie and Becky, were a gem. They welcomed us on our first lunch with pizzas and salad. They also provided us stuff like bedsheets, kitchen utensils and some pieces of furniture. My daughter Maria had a smooth transition at school because she was introduced by Becky to two of our new neighbours, Izzy and Abby, who go to the same school as my daughter.”
The Filipino community in Ashern has also been friendly, helpful and supportive, she added.
“They are very generous with their time and even shared with us food like meat and rice — basic to us Filipinos. Their encouraging words uplifted us, and we never felt like we are strangers in this new community,” Colobong said.
“My co-workers, my workplace, even my patients made me realize that, indeed, Manitoba is a place where my family and I now belong. I thought that coming to Manitoba was just a dream. I worked hard and prayed hard to have that dream. Then I realized that if it is meant for you, nothing is impossible — and I am destined to be here.”
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa was inspired to move to Manitoba to be closer to her mom.
“My goal started as a dream —a dream to be with my mom. She’s been living here in Manitoba with my brother. She has been working abroad since I was two years old,” she said.
“As I am eager to be with them, we started applying to Canada 10 years ago. Back then, it was my husband who was the principal applicant. We applied twice but, unfortunately, no luck. We’re thankful to Shared Health and IERHA for making that dream possible.”
In the Philippines, Dela Rosa worked as a staff nurse in a private hospital in the community of Novaliches. She misses her family and friends, as well as the flavourful Filipino food, tropical climate and beautiful landscapes — especially the beaches.
“Building a new life can be tough without the familiar bits of comfort you grew up with. I’m thankful to the people behind the Fieldstone Ventures, Julie and Becky, who will always be there to guide and help us — sharing essential information about local services, health-care facilities and community resources; offering support and guidance; being available for questions; providing guidance on navigating the new environment,” Dela Rosa said.
“I’m thankful also to my coworkers — from managing me to the basic routine up to the extent of offering me a ride going back home, especially when the weather is extreme.”
Like Colobong, Dela Rosa is excited about this new chapter and eager to contribute to the health-care community in Manitoba.
“I am looking forward to bringing my skills and experiences from the Philippines to benefit my new community, while also learning and growing professionally and personally in this new environment,” she said.
“The warmth and support from community members and coworkers will undoubtedly make this transition smoother and more fulfilling. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community.”
Now that she’s in Manitoba, she’s looking forward to the opportunity to work in the health-care environment.
“What I enjoy most about working in health care is the ability to make a tangible difference in patients’ lives by providing care, comfort and support, as well as the continuous learning opportunities and the chance to stay updated with the latest medical advancements and techniques,” she said.
“Manitoba is also known for its high quality of life, with affordable living, beautiful natural landscapes and a strong sense of community, contributing to a work-life balance.”
