By: Dr Ramon Joel Seastres

I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the position of Executive Director of Filipino Australian Health Professionals Inc. (FAHPI). This is not merely a professional milestone for me, but a profound calling to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values and aspirations. FAHPI’s mission is to drive meaningful, transformative change that redefines healthcare quality. This resonates deeply with me, and I am committed to upholding this vision with purpose, empathy, and innovation.

Reflecting on my past experiences as the Director of the Medical Program, I am proud of the impactful initiatives we were able to accomplish. Together, we successfully delivered donated dialysis machines to a district hospital in Mindanao and medical supplies to underserved communities, raised funds for Typhoon victims in the Philippines, and actively engaged in COVID-19 webinars, education, and vaccination advocacy targeting Filipino CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) groups in collaboration with other local organizations and Philippine Embassy - Canberra, during the pandemic outbreak. These achievements have reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the importance of addressing healthcare disparities.

As we look ahead to FAHPI’s ambitious vision for 2026 onwards, I am inspired by the opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to becoming a trusted non-profit partner and a premier source of public healthcare expertise. Together, we will champion evidence-based policies, research, and advocacy to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in regional Australia and the LMICs like the Philippines. By fostering partnerships between health professionals, academia, policymakers, and communities, we will amplify our impact and work tirelessly to ensure equitable access to high-quality care, especially for those in marginalised areas.

This journey will undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but I am confident that, united by our shared belief in the power to create change and challenge the status quo, we will achieve our goals and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this transformative organization and to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who share my passion for making a meaningful impact.

Together, we will build a healthier, more equitable future.