
Filipino nurse receives gift from UAE President for service during COVID-19
In a TikTok video posted by @tito.michael89, Tito Michael shared his surprise and gratitude upon receiving a gold coin and a letter of appreciation—an initiative from the UAE leadership to honor the bravery and dedication of medical frontline workers.
He shared that the letter, which accompanied the coin, expressed the President's appreciation to those who played a vital role in the country's pandemic response.
'It says here, 'To all of our frontline heroes, it is a great privilege to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you for the vital role that you played in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,'' he read in the video.
Tito Michael recalled how he served as a team leader in the ICU of his facility, stepping up during a time when critical care nurses were urgently needed. He said he had no idea how he managed to survive the ordeal, describing it as one of the most difficult periods in his nursing career.
'There were so many adjustments, and every shift was full of uncertainty,' he continued. 'Every single day, every single shift, lagi kaming nawawalan ng pasyente, and it was completely devastating.'
He also opened up about the anxiety he felt each time he went to work, and how prayer became a source of strength amid the daily emotional toll.
'Grabe na lang talaga yung pag-pray ko every time ako papasok sa trabaho kasi hindi ko alam kung ano yung i-e-expect ko,' he added.
Despite the hardship, Michael said the experience taught him a valuable lesson—that believing in oneself is essential, especially during a crisis. He noted that while support from family and friends is important, personal resolve is what ultimately sees someone through.
As of writing, the video garnered 350K views and 11.5K reactions, earning praises both from Filipinos and Emiratis.
'Emirati here — You're not just frontliners, you're apart of us too. You have no idea how much we respect and appreciate you. I hope you know we have so much love towards all of you nurses. You were and still are our heroes,' a TikTok user commented.

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Filipino Times
20 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Filipino nurse receives gift from UAE President for service during COVID-19
A Filipino nurse in the UAE has received a special token of gratitude from none other than UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition of his selfless service as a frontline healthcare worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a TikTok video posted by @ Tito Michael shared his surprise and gratitude upon receiving a gold coin and a letter of appreciation—an initiative from the UAE leadership to honor the bravery and dedication of medical frontline workers. He shared that the letter, which accompanied the coin, expressed the President's appreciation to those who played a vital role in the country's pandemic response. 'It says here, 'To all of our frontline heroes, it is a great privilege to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to you for the vital role that you played in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,'' he read in the video. Tito Michael recalled how he served as a team leader in the ICU of his facility, stepping up during a time when critical care nurses were urgently needed. He said he had no idea how he managed to survive the ordeal, describing it as one of the most difficult periods in his nursing career. 'There were so many adjustments, and every shift was full of uncertainty,' he continued. 'Every single day, every single shift, lagi kaming nawawalan ng pasyente, and it was completely devastating.' He also opened up about the anxiety he felt each time he went to work, and how prayer became a source of strength amid the daily emotional toll. 'Grabe na lang talaga yung pag-pray ko every time ako papasok sa trabaho kasi hindi ko alam kung ano yung i-e-expect ko,' he added. Despite the hardship, Michael said the experience taught him a valuable lesson—that believing in oneself is essential, especially during a crisis. He noted that while support from family and friends is important, personal resolve is what ultimately sees someone through. As of writing, the video garnered 350K views and 11.5K reactions, earning praises both from Filipinos and Emiratis. 'Emirati here — You're not just frontliners, you're apart of us too. You have no idea how much we respect and appreciate you. I hope you know we have so much love towards all of you nurses. You were and still are our heroes,' a TikTok user commented.

The National
a day ago
- The National
How the UAE is working to reverse its falling birth rate
Few decisions in life are as consequential – or as emotive – as whether to start or grow a family. For many couples, the intimately human desire to bring new life into the world often has to be weighed against some hard realities, particularly when it comes to the financial strains that can come with parenting. In a global report published last month, the UN Population Fund found that nearly 20 per cent of reproductive-age adults surveyed in 14 countries believed they will be unable to have the number of children they desire. In addition, nearly 40 per cent reported that financial limitations had affected or would affect their ability to have their ideal family. 'Millions of people around the world are unable to have the number of children they want – whether they want more, fewer, or none at all,' the report's authors added. The UAE is not immune from the wider demographic trend of declining birth rates; a recent meeting of the Federal National Council heard that there had been an 11 per cent drop in births among Emiratis between 2015 and 2022. But an examination of the country's response to this challenge shows that, when it comes to incentivising more young people to start families, the Emirates is focusing on more than just finances – it is building the sort of supportive society in which people feel empowered to take on the many ups and downs of parenthood. A statement sent to The National by Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, has revealed some of the thinking behind this approach. 'Behind every data point is a young couple making decisions about marriage,' she said. 'A working mother balancing ambitions with nurturing. A father wanting to give more time but stretched by economic pressures. These are not only social realities – they are policy challenges, and more importantly, national opportunities.' Widespread and practical support for the social scaffolding necessary for parents to raise happy and healthy families is critical. This means accessible schools, high-quality health care and flexible employment. In this sense, Ms Suhail is right to describe this as a 'national opportunity' because it requires different branches of government and the private sector working together to improve and co-ordinate policy across all kinds of areas, all with the goal of supporting families. Plans for a national fertility strategy discussed at the FNC meeting have focused on improving the lives of young Emiratis rather than merely boosting population numbers. Indeed, such an approach is already in the works; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, last year approved the Emirati Family Growth Programme 'to enhance family stability and reinforce community cohesion'. Part of the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, it aims to help young people build stable families as a driver of economic and social development in the emirate. If it takes a village to raise a child, then the UAE is showing the wisdom of taking that approach to the national level As some western societies become more individualist and atomised, often with unrealistic ideas about family life, other societies in the Middle East and Asia remain resolutely focused on the importance of the family unit, something that perpetuates a sense of cohesion and continuity. This sense of family and togetherness may be one of the reasons that decision makers in the UAE are looking past hard numbers and general trends to appreciate the complexities of a challenge as human as raising family. If it takes a village to raise a child, then the UAE is showing the wisdom of taking that approach to the national level.


Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
Filipino Liaison Association in Riyadh holds medical outreach for OFWs
The Filipino Liaison Association in Riyadh (FLAIR) conducted a medical and humanitarian mission at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO)–Riyadh Bahay Kalinga, offering essential services to distressed Filipino workers. Volunteer nurses partnered with FLAIR to provide free blood sugar and blood pressure checkups, helping monitor common health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Medical prescriptions were distributed to individuals with identified health concerns, while psycho-social activities were also organized to support mental well-being. Residents of the shelter received food packs as part of the relief effort, addressing the immediate needs of those temporarily staying at Bahay Kalinga. To boost morale, games with cash prizes were held, creating a cheerful environment and giving participants a chance to unwind.