Marcos Highlights Gov't Steps to Address Nurse Shortage, Improve Working Conditions
The government is continuing its efforts to address the country's need for nurses, improve their working conditions, and open up more opportunities for Filipinos who want to study and join the nursing profession.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted these measures at the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) National Annual Convention 2026. About 2,500 nurses and other healthcare professionals attended, as part of the celebration of the PNA's 104th anniversary and the 69th Nurses' Week.
Increased Health Emergency Allowance
Among the measures is the increase in the allocation for the Health Emergency Allowance, from ₱6.8 billion in 2022 to ₱110.11 billion in 2026.
Opportunities for nursing graduates
The Clinical Care Associates Program gives nursing graduates the chance to work in hospitals while preparing for their licensure examination.
More access to nursing education
The government also widened access to nursing education after lifting the moratorium on opening new Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in 2022. The number of schools offering the program grew from 354 in July 2022 to 425 in June 2026.
Meanwhile, a one-year master's degree program is currently being piloted in select schools to help train more nursing instructors.
What the government aims for
Through these measures, the government aims to give more Filipinos the chance to become nurses, put more nurses in hospitals, and further improve their working conditions while they continue to look after the health of every Filipino.
Quick Summary
What: Government measures to address the nurse shortage, improve working conditions, and widen access to nursing education, highlighted at the PNA National Annual Convention 2026
Impact on the Philippines: The measures aim to give more Filipinos the opportunity to become nurses and allow more nurses to serve in hospitals
Source: Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
Source: Presidential Communications Office (PCO)