By Kaela Shaun L. Lauron
Congratulations to Dr. Anjuli May P. Jaen, CPU College of Nursing alumna (Batch 2006), for being recognized as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of 2025 for her excellence in medicine, research, and service to the community. Layout by: Patryxia Krys Soloren.
Iloilo City, Philippines — Dr. Anjuli May P. Jaen, a 2006 graduate of Central Philippine University College of Nursing, has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Ilonggos of 2025, a distinction that honors her excellence in medicine, research, and service to the community.
A distinguished physician and clinical researcher, Dr. Jaen specializes in respiratory medicine and vaccine development. Her work has been published in internationally respected journals such as The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, CHEST, and Expert Review of Vaccines, influencing evidence-based practices and contributing to healthcare innovation worldwide.
Beyond her professional success and academic accomplishments, Dr. Jaen is admired for her compassion, resilience, and dedication to service, making her recognition a source of pride for her alma mater and the Ilonggo community.
When asked to share a message for aspiring young Ilonggos, especially CPU students, Dr. Jaen shared words filled with wisdom, encouragement, and faith: “Pursue what you love. Be passionate about it and give it your all because when the going gets tough, passion is what will sustain you amid the difficulties. There will be times where you feel like giving up. Just remember why you are there in the first place. Remember your first fervor because that will become your second wind – your fuel to forge on.”
She encouraged students to go beyond conventional standards and become innovators: “I went into medicine and research because I do not want to limit myself to the norm or the standard of care. Be the standard of care. Break out of the confines of what the stereotypical physician or nurse is. Instead, continue learning, innovating, and pushing for medical breakthroughs—or if you want to pursue research in nursing, push for breakthroughs in nursing.”
Dr. Jaen also emphasized the importance of integrity and authenticity: “As a person whose mantra is the “Desiderata”, do not compare yourself with others, for there will always be greater and lesser persons than you. Be who you want to be but ground yourself with the fact that you have to do what you do for the greater good and the community. Lastly, never lose your principles in the process. That will be your compass—the guiding force of where you are heading so that when you have reached your dreams and achieved many goals, you are still who you are when you first started. At the end of the day, those are the only things that will matter.”
Faith, according to Dr. Jaen, is central to guiding every step of her journey: “In everything you do, ask for guidance and wisdom from God—do this before you go on duty, before you see patients, before exams, before career interviews—daily so your decisions will be guided every single day.”
Dr. Jaen’s recognition as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Ilonggos is a shining example for aspiring healthcare professionals, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, integrity, and purpose, Ilonggos can make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.