PH must prioritize school nursing programs
The Second Congressional Commission on Education has released a troubling report on the state of Philippine education, emphasizing persistent challenges in child malnutrition, bullying, and mental health issues. These concerns are not new, but what is alarming is the continued lack of adequate intervention, particularly in the realm of school health services.
Despite the clear evidence that student health and well-being are directly linked to academic success, the national government has failed to allocate significant funding for school nursing programs in the 2025 budget. This oversight is a missed opportunity, as school nurses play a crucial role in addressing many of the challenges outlined in the report.
Malnutrition remains a pressing issue, affecting not only physical growth but also cognitive development and learning capacity. The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Supplementary Feeding Program reaches only a fraction of students who truly need it, highlighting the inefficiencies in resource distribution.
School nurses are in the best position to bridge this gap. With daily access to students, they can identify those who are malnourished, ensure proper implementation of feeding programs, and provide nutritional education to families. By integrating school nurses into these programs, we can improve targeting, maximize impact, and prevent further cases of stunting and undernutrition.
Bullying is another crisis that continues to plague Philippine schools, with the country ranking as the “bullying capital of the world.” The psychological impact of bullying is profound, leading to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. The slow resolution of reported cases—only 38 out of 339 filed cases were resolved between November 2022 and July 2024—reveals an urgent need for stronger intervention.
School nurses, often the first point of contact for distressed students, can play a key role in both prevention and response. Their training in trauma-informed care allows them to provide immediate support to victims, educate students on bullying prevention, and collaborate with teachers and administrators in implementing school-wide strategies to promote safer environments.
Beyond physical and emotional health, mental well-being has emerged as a significant concern, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional reliance on guidance counselors alone is no longer sufficient, especially given the limited number of trained professionals in schools.
School nurses are uniquely positioned to fill this gap, as they are already embedded in educational settings and interact with students daily. With additional training in mental health interventions, they can screen for early signs of anxiety and depression, provide short-term counseling, and connect students with specialized care when needed. Their role is essential in preventing crises before they escalate and ensuring that students receive timely and appropriate support.
The inadequate funding for school health programs in the 2025 budget is both frustrating and short-sighted. The Philippines produces thousands of nurses annually, many of whom struggle to find employment locally and seek opportunities abroad. Instead of allowing this talent to leave, the government should create stable, well-compensated positions for school nurses, ensuring that every school has at least one dedicated health professional.
This is not just an investment in education, but a strategic move toward nation-building—a healthier student population leads to better academic performance, higher graduation rates, and a stronger, more productive workforce in the future.
Ignoring school nursing programs is a disservice to students, educators, and the future of the country. The evidence is overwhelming—healthy students are better learners, and school nurses are a vital part of ensuring that students receive the support they need.
The government must reconsider its priorities, allocate appropriate funding, and recognize that school health services are not optional, but essential. Investing in school nurses today will yield immeasurable benefits for generations to come.
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Jerome Babate is an executive director hailing from Sydney, Australia. As the head of the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network, an international organization of Filipino nurses, he passionately advocates for the welfare and empowerment of Filipino nurses across the globe.
