A joint initiative of the Private Sector Advisory Council - Health Sector (PSAC-Health), UP Manila (UPM), and UP Open University (UPOU), the program was launched in 2024 to address the shortage of qualified nurse educators in the country. Eight graduates from NCR, Rizal, Batangas, Iloilo, Aklan, and Leyte completed the one-year, 30-unit program, joining over 1,200 UP Manila graduates.

The first batch of graduates from the Enhanced Master’s in Nursing Education (enhanced MNE) program marked a milestone in Philippine healthcare education during the recent University of the Philippines Manila commencement rites held in UP Diliman.

“These graduates represent far more than academic success, they represent the beginning of a systemic solution to the country's nursing faculty shortage,” said PSAC Health Sector Lead Paolo Borromeo, President and CEO of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. “They are future mentors who will shape generations of nurses, elevate clinical education, and help transform health for every Filipino.”

The enhanced MNE equips registered nurses with core skills in curriculum design, clinical supervision, and classroom instruction, while recognizing prior clinical experience to speed up their academic advancement.

Delivered through a collaboration between UPM’s College of Nursing and UPOU’s Faculty of Management and Development Studies, the program was developed with support from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). UPOU leads the core courses, while UPM handles specialized instruction. As a CHED Center of Excellence, UPM-CN also provided training to 15 other higher education institutions (HEIs) offering the program.

“This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s academic nursing workforce, ensuring that the growing demand for faculty with advanced qualifications is met by ensuring the integrity and excellence of nursing education,” said UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee. “Collaborative efforts like these exemplify how strategic partnerships and agile programs can rapidly and sustainably close critical gaps in our healthcare system.”

Graduates of the enhanced MNE include:
Lodemar Adricula Apostol, Ace Lennon Natal Babasa, Paul John Dimaculangan Bariuan, Ivyhazel Panopio Borja, Andro Eradio Camposagrado, Abigael Comson De Mesa, Jex Aubrey Rivera Gonzales, and Prince Japred Paraiso Toring.

The enhanced MNE is part of PSAC’s broader push to strengthen the healthcare workforce. PSAC also pushed for the National Human Resources for Health (HRH) Masterplan, designed to align long-term planning across sectors.

“These programs, working in tandem create a pipeline of nursing talent that is responsive to both domestic and global needs,” Borromeo said. “They are designed not only to scale the workforce, but to elevate the quality of education and care Filipinos deserve.”