Filipino nurse honored to receive British Empire Medal: ‘English people appreciate us’

For Filipino nurse Charito Romano, a recipient of the British Empire Medal, her triumph is not just for herself but for all Filipinos working hard all over the world.

“Maswerte tayo dito sa England because English people really appreciate us, especially [the] Queen,” Charito said on Oscar Oida’s “24 Oras” report on Friday.

“Hindi matatawaran ang mararamdaman mo sa paga-appreciate nila sa atin,” she added.

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Charito was included in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honor List for her efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She was recognized for her work at Arbrook House, a facility that provides specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses and therefore vulnerable to COVID-19, in Surrey, South East England.

“I was surprised and thankful as well,” the nurse said. “It’s mixed emotion, you know … I can’t explain the feeling really.”

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also thanked the United Kingdom for giving the award to Charito.

“Binabati ko po at pinapapasalamatan ang nagpamahagi ng karangalan na binigay sa ating bansang Pilipinas. Nais ko ulit pasalamatan ang nagbigay ng award sa kanya,” he said.

Charito hails from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, and has been working in the United Kingdom for almost two decades. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News