MANILA -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed support for the passage of the Philippine Nursing Practice Act, a measure that aims to improve the nursing profession through better career prospects and relevant nursing education.

“So the government recognizes and acknowledges your hard work and sacrifice, including risking your own health and lives to care for others… In fact, I have taken special note of the clamor to address issues in the nursing profession by the passage of the new Philippine Nursing Practice Act,” Marcos said in a speech at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA).

Marcos said his administration, alongside Congress, will work with the PNA to institute reforms to further protect and develop the nursing profession in the Philippines.

“The Executive department, together with Congress, will work with you to achieve these goals,” said Marcos.

In his speech, the President also sought to create equal footing for all nurses regardless of the sector they are working in.

“As part of our goal to raise the profile and improve the working condition of nurses, we seek to address the disparity in salaries between nurses in government hospitals with those in the private sector,” he said.

Marcos also raised the need to address the uneven distribution of nurses in various areas around the country. 

This means addressing issues related to health facilities, benefits, and security of tenure, according to the President.

“As we work hard to improve the state of our healthcare system at home, let us join hands to maintain our country’s position as the gold standard when it comes to providing healthcare workers to hospitals and health facilities globally,” Marcos said.

The chief executive said his administration would open more slots for the deployment of nurses abroad while striving to improve opportunities domestically.

He also tapped the PNA, with its 40,000-strong membership, to help him achieve these goals.

 “With the PNA, boasting a 40,000-strong membership, I believe that together we have the ability, we have the strength to improve our nurses’ welfare and build on the Filipino distinction of excellence and competitiveness in the global health community,” said Marcos. (PND)