MANILA, Philippines – When Erwin Garcia Bolante left Roxas City, Capiz, he could not have known how far his nursing career would take him.
Nineteen years later, the 40-year-old Capiz native has risen to a leadership role in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he works to advance nursing excellence, patient safety, and healthcare quality.
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| Photo courtesy: Erwin Garcia Bolante |
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Bolante opened up about the journey behind the milestone, sharing how faith, continuous learning, and years of frontline experience shaped his path.
His nursing journey began at St. Anthony College of Roxas City, Inc., where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing before passing the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE) in 2007.
He gradually moved from patient care into nursing supervision, quality improvement, education, and management, experiences that shaped his belief that leadership should remain grounded in the realities faced by nurses.
“Leadership is a responsibility to help nurses speak with confidence, use evidence in daily care, and contribute to safer systems,” Bolante said.
While building his career, he continued his education, completing a Master of Arts in Nursing and pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science.
In January 2026, he passed the U.S. National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and later earned a Certified Professional in Patient Safety credential.
Then came the opportunity that would mark a defining chapter in his career.
When his institution opened a senior nursing leadership position for competitive selection, Bolante entered as the only expatriate and Filipino candidate.
Before the interview, he placed the outcome in God’s hands.
“If this is meant for me, God will make it happen,” he recalled.
On July 5, 2026, his promotion to Nursing Excellence Director was officially confirmed, making him the first Filipino to hold the highest leadership position dedicated to nursing excellence within his institution.
His responsibilities now extend across a network of 23 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, covering nursing quality, patient safety, evidence-based practice, education, and professional development.
But one of his most emotional moments came on August 28, when he received the Most Outstanding OFW Award in Jeddah.
“The award is more than a personal achievement,” Bolante said, describing it as a recognition of the “sacrifices, courage, resilience, and determination” of Filipinos working far from home.
From Capiz to Jeddah, his journey continues to be shaped by a simple purpose: to serve, to lead, and to create opportunities for others.
“This award is not mine alone,” he said. “It belongs to every Filipino who continues to dream, persevere, and bring honor to our country wherever they may be.”
— The Summit Express
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