Meet Lizzette (Liz) Dela Pena, a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), whose story reflects the heart of Filipino culture—community, compassion, and resilience. Her journey reminds us that heritage is more than tradition; it’s a way of showing up in the world.
Liz began her CMH career in 2017 in the Surgery Department, later moving into the ICU, where she discovered how much she loves the complexity and fast-paced nature of critical care.
Born in the City of Manila and raised in Bulacan, Liz grew up in a family where support wasn’t something you offered — it was simply how you lived. In a culture rooted in togetherness and service, caring for others felt instinctive. Whether tending to a sick relative, cooking for someone going through a difficult time, or simply showing up when it mattered, she learned early that care is shown through your actions. It’s no surprise that healthcare became a natural career path for her.
She often thinks of her lolo (grandfather), an OB‑GYN known for his willingness to help others, even if they couldn’t pay. Families would often bring him fruit to say thank you. Being witness to his meaningful impact on the community inspired her to extend that same level of compassion beyond her own family.
“Even now, I find myself bringing that mindset into my work—treating patients the way I would treat my own loved ones: with patience, understanding, and genuine concern.”
Her resolve strengthened when her father became ill while she was completing her nursing studies. Supporting him through that time shaped her understanding of compassion in practice. She now finds fulfillment in helping people heal, even on the hardest days. That experience solidified her dedication to patient care
A core value that Liz brings into her work is bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of community and helping others without expecting anything in return. The word comes from bayan (town or nation) and is often pictured as neighbours coming together to lift and move an entire nipa hut. For Liz, it’s a reminder that people are strongest when they support one another. She sees that same spirit in the ICU, where colleagues step in without hesitation and make sure no one faces those tough moments alone.
“Nursing is a team effort, and my culture has taught me the importance of showing up for others, every single day.”
Outside of work, Liz and her husband Luigi are raising their two children, Lexie and Logan, with the same values she learned from heritage, hoping they carry forward the understanding of what it really means to care for others.
Through her care, teamwork, and unwavering spirit, she brings the essence of Filipino culture to CMH every day.
“Nursing, for me, is not just a profession, it's an extension of the care, compassion, and community I was raised with. My Filipino heritage continues to guide me in nursing, reminding me that care is not just what we do, but who we are.”