A Filipino American nurse leader from Negros Occidental has been recognized for her decades-long contributions to global health, offering a counter-narrative to recent negative headlines involving healthcare workers.
Dr. Dely Po Go, based in the New York-New Jersey area, was named a 2025 “Bayani ng Mundo” honoree by the Philippine Nurses Association of America Foundation, an award given to Filipino nurses who have gone beyond the call of duty in service and leadership.
The recognition was presented last Winter, during the Nurses Week commemoration at Conrad Hotel Manila.
Go’s recognition comes at a time when some Filipino American medical practitioners in the United States have faced legal scrutiny, drawing public attention. Her achievement highlights the broader contributions of Filipino healthcare professionals who continue to serve with integrity, competence and compassion.
President of Nursing Network LLC, a New Jersey-based healthcare education and consulting firm, Go has supported hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals across the United States. Her company provides training, mentorship and staffing support, particularly in facilities caring for the elderly.
Silliman University, her alma mater, cited her exemplary leadership in nursing, community service and global health advocacy. Her work has included strengthening healthcare education, mentoring nurses and supporting community initiatives, including efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, Go earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Silliman University in Dumaguete City in 1978 before migrating to the United States with her family.
She built a career that spans bedside nursing, leadership and entrepreneurship. Early in her career, she worked as a geriatric nurse and an open-heart surgery nurse, experiences that shaped her commitment to patient care and professional development.
Go later pursued graduate studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning both her master’s degree and Doctor of Nursing Practice. She transitioned into roles as a mentor, educator and business leader, focusing on advancing opportunities for nurses, particularly Filipino and immigrant professionals.
Her work has earned multiple recognitions, including the 2013 Outstanding Sillimanian Award in Entrepreneurship in Nursing and the UN Women HeForShe Award, reflecting her advocacy beyond healthcare into civic and community leadership.
In Filipino American communities, stories like Go’s provide important context, underscoring the longstanding reputation of Filipino nurses as among the most trusted members of the U.S. healthcare workforce.
Across hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health settings, Filipino medical professionals remain highly visible contributors to patient care nationwide.
Go’s latest honor reinforces that legacy, emphasizing that the impact of Filipino healthcare workers extends far beyond isolated controversies.
In 2021, Go was also recognized at The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA), where she received honors in the Health Care category during ceremonies held at Carnegie Hall in New York, further cementing her standing as a leader in the field.
