It’s 7:00 in the morning, and the workday just started for nurse John as he sips coffee while reviewing the pre-employment schedule of worker applicants to undergo drug testing and wellness screening.

Victor John Binuya, or nurse John to his colleagues, is an occupational health practitioner assigned to the Offices at The Galleon project.

For nurse John, this will be another day of fostering a culture of well-being.

As he prepares for his tasks, such as health history reviews and confirming the consultation schedule of site employees and workers, his eyes gleam despite being covered by his black eyeglasses.

At his station, a seemingly vibrant plaque near his coffee is displayed on his table and reads, ‘Plaque of Recognition presented to Victor John Binuya’.

“Award sa amin yan,” he said.

Recently, he was among the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Safety Practitioners Award recognized by the Safety Organization of the Philippines (SOPI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Occupational Safety and Health Center.

Nurse John and seven ongoing projects and DATEM facilities were recognized for their advocacy and implementation of health and safety regulations.

“Receiving the award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to my team’s hard work and commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.” environment.”

“I am motivated to further excel in my role in ensuring the welfare of others,” nurse John said affectionately.  

He was a registered nurse when he joined DATEM in 2009 and held two roles: document controller and project nurse.  

Apart from the typical blood pressure (BP) and health monitoring of workers who consult them, he conducts canteen and barracks inspections, site walkthroughs to identify possible health hazards on site, and monthly inventory and replenishment of medicine and medical supplies. 

Nurse John is among the 16 nurses and health practitioners assigned to projects and facilities.   

“Mas pinili kong maging occupational health nurse instead of clinical nurse kasi in this field, our values are focused sa holistic preventive care and health promotion sa mga builder at sa workplace,” he recounted.

“Wala akong plans kung ano man po ang narating ko ngayon,” he paused when a worker visits to consult. “pero… masaya akong nagtuturo ng health and safety practices sa mga worker dahil alam kong nakaka-contribute kami sa growth ng mga worker, ng company, at ng industry.”