The talent and excellence of Filipinos have been recognized once again abroad, as a Filipino migrant based in New Zealand received the 2025 Māia–Bold and Brave Award, an internal distinction from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for his leadership and innovation in inclusive communication.

Ramil de Jesus, a Wellington-based public servant originally from Marikina City, has recently been awarded the 2025 MBIE Māia–Bold and Brave Award, which honors leadership and innovation in inclusive communication and celebrates individuals who create meaningful impact for diverse communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

He was selected from nearly 2,500 nominees across MBIE offices nationwide, which he said made the recognition a significant milestone not only personally but also for the Filipino community in New Zealand and abroad.

De Jesus said that the award is presented by New Zealand's MBIE, which recognizes public servants who demonstrate courage to challenge the status quo, innovation in improving public services, and leadership that puts people and communities first.

He received the award as an honor for his leadership in inclusive communication, ensuring that government information is accessible, culturally responsive, and meaningful to migrant and ethnic communities.

As a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who started from humble beginnings, he said the recognition holds deep meaning for him and for many Filipinos navigating life overseas.

“This achievement highlights the growing impact of Filipinos in public service leadership overseas and serves as inspiration for Overseas Filipino Workers and migrants worldwide,” he said in an interview with the Manila Bulletin.

"This award is not just mine. It represents the voices of migrant communities who deserve to be heard, understood, and respected,” he added.

Currently, De Jesus serves as a senior advisor under Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery, creating communication content for Immigration New Zealand. He collaborates across immigration and service-delivery workstreams to make complex information clearer and more accessible. His practice centers on plain English, cultural nuance, user empathy, and high-quality translation workflows.

At MBIE, he contributes to guides and training on writing for diverse audiences and partnering effectively with translators. He speaks about lived migrant experience, the power of representation, and practical tools for agencies and community groups to improve communication with diaspora audiences.

De Jesus graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman and holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Communication from Victoria University of Wellington, graduating with distinction.

Before moving abroad, he served as executive producer at GMA, one of the Philippines’ leading media companies, producing for the program “I-Witness” with Howie Severino as host. He also produced episodes for “Pinoy Abroad” and “GamePlan.”

In June 2009, he first moved to New Zealand as a tutor teaching video production at a school in Auckland. He gained New Zealand residency in March 2010.

In 2012, he entered public service after receiving an offer to work for the Embassy of Brazil in Wellington.

“They were gearing up for a promotional campaign for two major events in their history—Brazil hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. My video skills were instrumental in marketing these events and other diplomatic initiatives. I worked there until 2022, and was able to pick up the Portuguese language during my tenure,” he explained.

In January 2022, he joined the New Zealand government as a senior advisor, responsible for developing migrant information products, including drafting policy announcements and creating videos and other materials on visa requirements and migrant settlement.

“As a first-generation immigrant to New Zealand, I knew I had a lot to bring to the table, so I applied. And the rest was history,” he added.

De Jesus also pointed to the broader role of Filipinos within New Zealand society, noting that Filipinos are one of the largest migrant communities in the country, numbering 108,297 based on the 2023 census, and help fill key labor shortages, making them known for their strong work ethic and reliability.

“Filipinos are known here for their strong work ethic and reliability. Filipino workers are known to be punctual, committed, and willing to go the extra mile,” he said.

Like him and many other Filipinos, they continue to thrive abroad, showcasing the true talent, capability, and professionalism of Filipinos on the global stage.

“Many employers trust them with responsibility because they are seen as dependable and consistent. 

Although still a small number, Filipinos with New Zealand citizenship, like myself, have also found some roles in the New Zealand public service and are slowly making a mark with excellent work,” he continued.

Reflecting on his own journey as a migrant professional in New Zealand, he said Filipinos who dream of building a career overseas already stand out because of their courage.

“The journey won’t be easy—there will be sacrifices, setbacks, and moments of doubt—but starting small or adjusting to a new system is not failure. It’s progress. Be patient, keep learning, and trust the skills and values that make Filipinos respected worldwide,” he said.