Ivy Grace Agus

 

I am a registered nurse and was raised in the beautiful province of Northern Samar. I graduated from the University of Eastern Philippines College of Nursing, now called College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. Two of my most hated subjects in College were ‘Research’ and ‘Public Health’. Never did I expect, not even in my wildest dream, that my career would revolve around these two which—to my surprise—I now deeply love.

Working with the Ateneo Center for Evidence Action and Leadership (A-HEALS) in some of their research projects exposed me more to the field which inspired me to take things up to a new level and pursue graduate studies. After I finish my Master’s degree, I plan to continue my studies by taking up a doctorate degree.

I always wanted to establish my own business but I still wasn’t sure what kind. Because of my exposure to public health and rural communities, I was able to conceptualize a business that does not just only generate income but also help women in rural communities to develop their potentials and share their God-given skills and talents. My aim is to empower these women and have the means of securing their family’s basic needs by supporting or providing them with a livelihood.

Beyond all these seemingly serious things that I do, music serves as the lighter note. When I was younger, I wanted to make a career out of music but obviously, it’s not where my fate took me. But one thing’s for sure–music still lingers in my life and has been in my heart all these years. I took up voice lessons at Ryan Cayabyab’s Music School which amplified my love for music. Now, I sing at my friends’ weddings as gift for them. There is freedom of expression in singing and I think it is what makes it the most beautiful form of art.