Miss Universe Philippines 2020 candidate Joecel Marie Robenta of Antique could have been one of the heroic frontliners during this time of crisis, had it not been for the national pageant she committed to focus on. Her nursing profession was at its highest level of demand these past couple of months.

Giving up her job as a Nurse was one of the most difficult decisions in her young life. But then, she realized that a bigger platform can enable her to do more in terms of strengthening her advocacy to help and be a voice to her fellow medical professionals. She needs to speak on behalf of every Filipino nurse who needs to be valued more.

Joece is pushing for Quality Health to all Filipinos. Being a Nurse is never an easy job. Having earned actual hospital experience for a year and a half now, she went through a lot of challenges and sacrifices. But at the end of the day, her will to serve people always prevails. This is the biggest reason why her cause is provide quality health care. Efficiency, Safety, Effective and Affordable – these are the core points of the healthcare system that every filipino deserves to have.

One of the best ways to achieve this is to give importance to the healthcare workers. Joece thought it would become more timely especially in these trying times.

During ECQ, she started a project of DIY face masks using old fabrics and clothes. It reached almost 100 pcs and she donated all to the people who need them the most. She has also been doing a funding project for the frontliners and called it Connect. Collect. Protect. It is her way of helping since she could not be physically stationed in the hospital. She provided boxes of gloves, gallons of alcohol, masks, face shields and also gave funds for Hazmat Suits. Despite staying at home, she did her best to be a beacon of hope to the people and to spread positivity and kindness. As a nurse, she also gives importance to health education so she started by teaching people here in her hometown, especially on how to properly wash their hands using the World Health Organization Technique.

For Joece, giving to people is not all about money. Giving to others can be as simple as a single word of kindness and a thoughtful gesture that includes sharing what you know. She always finds joy in serving other people. She hopes to influence others to do the same and continue being a thread of hope to one another.