MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized the vital contributions of Filipino nurses to healthcare systems worldwide and assured the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) that his administration would review the concerns raised by the organization.
Speaking at the Philippine Nurses Association’s 69th Nurses Week National Convention 2026 in Pasay City, Marcos emphasized the dedication, professionalism, and compassion of Filipino nurses serving both locally and overseas.
“Alam naman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang ating mga nurses, hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo, at kinikilala kayong lahat,” Marcos said.
The President acknowledged the concerns presented by PNA National President Giancarlo Torres and committed to examining possible government responses.
“President Torres, lahat ng sinabi mo, I took note of. Babalikan natin lahat ‘yan. We will have a look and see what we can do,” Marcos said.
Marcos stressed that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare, underscoring the essential role of nurses in providing medical assistance, comfort, and support to patients and their families.
He also highlighted the growing international recognition of Filipino healthcare professionals, recalling conversations with foreign leaders who expressed appreciation for their contributions.
According to Marcos, a leader from a wealthy country once told him that approximately 60 percent of the nurses and doctors working in the country’s intensive care units were Filipinos.
The President recounted how the foreign leader acknowledged the country’s heavy reliance on Filipino medical professionals.
“If you stop sending us your healthcare workers, then the whole healthcare system in my country will stop,” Marcos quoted the leader as saying.
Marcos said the encounter demonstrated the significant role Filipino healthcare workers play in maintaining medical services beyond the Philippines.
“That is how important you have become not only to the Philippines, but also to the rest of the world,” he told the nurses.
The President also recognized the sacrifices of nurses working in hospitals, remote communities, and overseas healthcare facilities, noting that their service reflects the competence and compassion of Filipino medical professionals.
The convention, themed “Filipino Nurses: Shaping the Health of the Nations through Collective Action,” also marked the PNA’s 104th founding anniversary and the 69th Nurses Week celebration.
Marcos said the gathering provided an opportunity for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen collective efforts to improve healthcare services.
He expressed pride in the recognition Filipino nurses continue to receive internationally, saying their hard work and dedication contribute not only to the Philippines but also to the countries where they serve.
“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,” Marcos said.
