Keziah G. Huelar

Magdalena Delfinado Belleza Calcetas together with her husband, Benjie C. Calcetas.

Lingering in the prestigious halls of Iloilo Mission Hospital is an unwritten tradition amongst Centralian nurses. With every step, fond and precious memories immediately flood their minds of their defining time at the CPU; and how it had shaped and forged them into the world’s most elite nurses. Understated pride, confidence, and devotion to both God and country, are just a few of the exceptional characteristics of a Centralian nurse.

“The Nightingale Pledge” exemplifies the oath of purity and practice in the nursing profession and it is a badge of honor embedded in the hearts of every Centralian nurse. To become a Centralian nurse is an exceptional accomplishment. They are world-renowned for their enduring spirit, faith, and work ethic.

For Magdalena Delfinado Belleza Calcetas, becoming a Centralian nurse was her true calling. She was driven by her excellent work ethic and her desire for acquiring the best education and training offered at CPU; all this being balanced with immense empathy, faith and unconditional love for all those placed before her.

Calcetas received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from CPU in 1961. After briefly working in the Philippines, she left for the United States. In 1964, she went to Canada and was immediately employed at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. There, she displayed her sterling CPU nursing qualities which were promptly recognized as she was quickly promoted to Assistant Head Nurse, to Nursing Supervisor and finally, to Nursing Administrator for all medical units and specialty areas. She also initiated and chaired numerous innovative and vital nursing committees and programs with many still in place today.

Calcetas continued contributing throughout her illustrious career. While working at Lakeshore General Hospital, she became a dynamic member of its fund raising committee and was instrumental in raising $7 million for their infrastructure project. For her efforts, she was honored with the Board of Directors Certificate of Recognition.

Calcetas has also made innumerable community-oriented contributions. One of her greatest contributions is being the founder and first President of the Filipino Nurses’ Association of Québec (FNAQ), Inc. She also introduced the CPU-IMH Nurses’ Pledge song, personalizing it for the FNAQ and this has become their official anthem sung during their gala celebrations.

Calcetas has also been the Director for Community Intercultural Relations of the Filipino Folk Arts Society of Quebec, Director of Education and Leadership Training of the Federation of Filipino-Canadian Associations of Quebec, and Membership Coordinator of the Nurses’ Christian Fellowship of Quebec. For her invaluable contributions, she has been honored with the First Presidential Award from the Filipino-Canadian Friendship Society of Quebec and a Special Award from the Filipino Benevolent and Scholarship Society of Quebec.

In 1996, due to her commitment to excellence and faith, Calcetas was honored by CPU with the “Distinguished Centralian” award. This award is CPU’s continued commitment in honoring its alumni. It displays CPU’s desire to globally connect to all, ensuring that the Central Spirit can be celebrated everywhere. Calcetas continues to support CPU through her committee work as the Regional Vice President of the CPUAANA, CPUFOAA for several terms already. She continually updates the CPU President concerning her alumni activities.

Calcetas fondly reminisced about her very first visit to CPU in 1955 when she immediately fell in love with the campus. Coming from a very small town, this visit opened her eyes to how grand the world may be, and the endless possibilities it holds. Through countless letters sent to her family and friends back home in San Enrique, Negros Occidental, she vividly and enthusiastically described everything about CPU—the clean and beautiful campus, the Rose Memorial Hall, the large facilities, the palm trees and, especially, the wonderful and friendly people. A very memorable moment for Calcetas was during her pre-nursing time when she was baptized as a Baptist. Having faith and devotion to God is a hallmark trait of a Centralian. This provided her additional strength, along with the influence of her Christian mentors.

One of the most challenging moments in Calcetas’ life was her training at Iloilo Mission Hospital. Through the faith instilled in her, she was always reminded of her determination and perseverance in becoming a CPU Nurse, regardless of any circumstance. The unrelenting daily pressure and constant stress was, at times, overwhelming. However, she would always remind herself of the sacrifices her brother made. He quit CPU in order to pay for her to continue her Nursing studies. This perspective always grounded her and only strengthened her unfaltering commitment to excellence.

Calcetas’ message to young Centralians who are fervently working towards realizing their dreams is to take heart, harness their inner strength, and maintain their faith. Through their characteristics refined at CPU—perseverance, determination and sacrifice—they would be prepared for any situation placed before them. They should reflect, and always take the positive out of every experience and be confident in every decision they make.

Calcetas believes that being a Centralian means being an Ambassador of CPU: a reflection of all its exceptional characteristics and strong beliefs while setting a positive example for all. The roots of her CPU training had taken hold, and from there, it still continues to grow and flourish.