Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos pledges improved nurse staffing levels, career advancement
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to enhancing nurse-to-patient ratios and expanding employment opportunities for Filipino nurses. The pledge was made during the Philippine Nurses Association's annual convention, held as part of this year's Nurses' Week celebrations.
LSN Philippines ·
President Marcos made his commitment to the nursing profession on Monday while addressing the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), Inc. at its 2026 National Annual Convention. The event marked the organization's 104th Foundation Anniversary and the 69th Nurses' Week Celebration.
The president vowed to address critical staffing shortages by improving nurse-to-patient ratios in healthcare facilities across the country. He also committed to filling vacant nursing positions and creating additional career advancement opportunities for qualified nurses in the public health system.
The pledge comes as the Philippines continues to grapple with significant nurse emigration, with many healthcare workers seeking employment opportunities abroad. The commitment signals the administration's recognition of the need to strengthen the domestic healthcare workforce and improve working conditions for nursing professionals.
The PNA convention brought together nursing leaders and practitioners from across the country to discuss critical issues facing the profession and strategies to address workforce challenges in the healthcare sector.