Senator Bong Go seeks to strengthen Philippine nursing education with proposed amendments to the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has refiled a measure seeking to promote the welfare of aspiring nurses by proposing amendments to Republic Act 9173, or the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

This legislative proposal, formally titled the “Advanced Nursing Education Act” underscores his continuing drive to enhance the nursing profession and uplift the global standing of Filipino nurses.

Go, the top vote-getter among senators in the 2025 midterm elections, is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health,

He recognized the internationally acclaimed reputation of Filipino nurses but lamented that the current system overly emphasizes producing graduates for immediate employment abroad, rather than nurturing local expertise and leadership.

“Filipino nurses are world-renowned for their skill, inherent compassion, and eagerness to provide care for their fellow people. The success of our nurses has brought recognition of our skills and qualities as a nation,” he said. “Further, there has never been any doubt as regards the contribution Filipino nurses have made for the benefit of our economy.”

Go pointed out possible points of improvement by addressing current nursing education priorities.

“It must be noted, however, that despite the perception of having a burgeoning and successful local nursing industry, education programs employed by our local nursing educational institutions, at times, appear to be too focused on churning out batches of graduates for immediate forays abroad in search of opportunities,” he said.