Saint Mary’s University (SMU) reached a major milestone with the successful international deployment of its first batch of 20 Marian nurses under Project Maalaga. This international enrollment-to-employment initiative is designed to prepare healthcare professionals for meaningful and globally competitive careers abroad.

The official deployment orientation was held on Jan. 5, 2026, at the Dohle Haus in Makati City, Metro Manila. The activity served as a final preparatory step, equipping the nurses for the professional and personal demands of working overseas. This orientation was part of the several months of structured preparation, including a six-month intensive Dutch language program conducted at SMU, which strengthened both their linguistic proficiency and cultural readiness.

On Jan. 6, 2026, the 20 Marian nurses departed from Ninoy Aquino International Airport en route to Brussels, Belgium. Grounded in the values of dedication, compassion, and excellence established by SMU, they embarked on their international journey, which represented SMU’s expanding role in creating global career pathways for its graduates. On Jan. 7, 2026, the Marian nurses arrived safely in Brussels and were warmly welcomed by representatives from their respective employer agencies—Avida, Mintus, and Curando.