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Vienna, Austria – August 30, 2025 – The Retired Nurses Association in Austria (RFNAA) marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its first anniversary at the Marriott Hotel, Vienna. The event gathered retired Filipino nurses, community leaders, diplomats, and friends in a night filled with gratitude, recognition, and cultural pride.
A highlight of the evening was the tribute to the pioneering Filipino nurses who first arrived in Austria five decades ago. These women and men dedicated countless years of service, caring for the sick, comforting the weary, and bringing dignity and hope to those in need. Their extraordinary contributions were honored with heartfelt recognition and certificates signed jointly by the Philippine Ambassador to Austria and the Mayor of Vienna.
In her opening remarks, Dorcy Aigner, President of RFNAA, reflected on the association’s mission: “Our objective is to support retired Filipino nurses residing in Austria—helping them adapt, connect, and thrive physically, mentally, and socially amidst the rapid changes and challenges of our time. We aim not only to respond to needs but also to create a space of belonging and purpose. We also seek to foster meaningful relationships among members and encourage active engagement within the broader community.”
Philippine Ambassador to Austria, Evangelina Lourdes Arroyo-Bernas, delivered an inspirational message, acknowledging the enduring impact of Filipino nurses: “For over 50 years, Filipino nurses in Austria have exemplified the highest ideals of care, earning the respect and admiration of patients, colleagues, and communities. You have shaped a powerful and positive image of the Filipino around the world—skilled, dedicated, and deeply human. Fifty years on, you remain a vital part of Austrian society, raising well-integrated families and contributing meaningfully across generations.”
The City Government of Vienna was also represented at the celebration. Luise Däger-Gregori, member of the Vienna State Parliament and Vienna City Council, expressed the city’s gratitude: “The Filipino nurses have played a significant role in strengthening Austria’s health care system, and we thank you for your decades of dedication and service.”
The evening blended recognition with festivity. Jubilarians delighted the audience with a series of surprise performances, beginning with a grand rigodon dance choreographed by President Dorcy Aigner. The ballroom filled with joy, camaraderie, and the spirit of celebration as generations of Filipino nurses and their families came together to honor the past while looking ahead with renewed purpose.
The successful anniversary marked not only the growth of RFNAA but also a tribute to the legacy of compassion, resilience, and excellence carried by Filipino nurses in Austria for more than 50 years.
- Hector Pascua
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