I witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work that Filipino nurses embody. They form the backbone of our healthcare system, providing essential services that often go unrecognized and underappreciated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino nurses were at the forefront, risking their lives to save others, both domestically and abroad. Yet, despite their heroic contributions, they continue to face financial and professional challenges that hinder their ability to serve effectively.

Filipino nurses are often employed in countries across the globe, significantly contributing to their healthcare systems, including that of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), there are over 20,000 Filipino nurses deployed annually overseas. These nurses not only fill critical healthcare gaps but also send billions in remittances back home, supporting the Filipino economy.

However, the current funding allocated to these essential workers is insufficient to reflect their contribution and sacrifice. While the demand for healthcare services increases, so does the stress and workload on these nurses, often without corresponding increases in wages and financial support. The disparity in pay, benefits, and working conditions between Filipino nurses and their counterparts in other countries often leads to burnout and a decrease in quality of patient care.

Increasing funding for nurses could alleviate these issues by ensuring fair compensation, enhancing professional development opportunities, and improving working conditions. This would not only benefit the nurses themselves but also lead to higher quality healthcare services, supporting millions of patients worldwide.

We urge the government and international health organizations to recognize the invaluable role of Filipino nurses and to allocate more resources to support and empower them. By doing so, we acknowledge their sacrifices and enhance the quality of healthcare globally.

Sign this petition to support the call for increased funding and better support for nurses, ensuring that they receive the recognition and resources they rightfully deserve.