Marcos pushes to improve nurse-to-patient ratio in PH

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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored the need to improve the welfare of Filipino nurses, including by improving nurse-to-patient ratios and providing more opportunities for career growth.

Marcos made the statement at the Philippine Nurses Association Inc. (PNA) National Annual Convention 2026 in Pasay City, where he highlighted the contributions of Filipino nurses to the country and the global healthcare workforce.

“Your leaders and all the people that we talked to that are abroad speak of the hard work, the skill, and the dedication that our nurses offer and demonstrate wherever they go," Marcos said.

"I’m very proud to hear this because I know how much our nurses contribute to our country, but also to the countries where they serve,” he added.

The President said the contributions of Filipino nurses deserved the government’s recognition and a sustained commitment to improving their welfare and professional development.

“So, we work very, very hard to strengthen our healthcare system now. We must also work towards improving nurse-to-patient ratios, filling vacant positions, providing more opportunities for our Filipino nurses’ growth,” he said.

“All of this is necessary so that our nurses can carry out responsibilities more efficiently and ensure that our healthcare institutions better serve our people,” Marcos added.

He said his administration was working with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to support nurses.

The President also cited the increase in funding for the Health Emergency Allowance, from P6.8 billion in 2022 to more than P110 billion in 2026, for public and private healthcare workers.

The government is also providing employment opportunities and review classes through the Clinical Care Associates Program for nursing graduates who have yet to pass the licensure examination, he said.

“Our goal is to help more qualified Filipinos enter the profession, strengthen the capabilities and protect the welfare of our nurses to ensure that our healthcare institutions have the workforce that they need to serve our communities,” Marcos said.

The President thanked nurses for their hard work and dedicated service.

“Ang inyong husay, ang inyong malasakit, dedikasyon ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa ating mga kababayan, nagpapalakas sa ating sistemang pangkalusugan. Patuloy po kaming magsisikap upang maibigay ang suporta, benepisyo, at oportunidad na nararapat para sa inyo,” Marcos said.

(Your competence, compassion and dedication continue to give hope to our fellow Filipinos and strengthen our healthcare system. We will continue to strive to provide the support, benefits and opportunities that you deserve.)— MCG, GMA News

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