Lawmaker seeks P1 billion for special education fund

MANILA, Philippines — To help 73 state universities and colleges (SUCs) create and offer nursing programs to deserving high school graduates, Makati Rep. Luis Campos Jr. is seeking P1 billion in special education fund.

“Empowering more SUCs to produce highly qualified BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) graduates will boost the capability of the Philippines to supply both the domestic and global demand for nurses in the years ahead,” Campos said.

He noted that only 44 of the country’s 117 SUCs have nursing schools. In Metro Manila, which has eight SUCs, Campos said only the University of the Philippines-Manila offers the BSN course.

“We have entire regions where not a single SUC offers the BSN program,” he pointed out, referring to Davao and Caraga regions, which have 10 SUCs combined.

He also named Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Guimaras, Bohol and Siquijor as among the island provinces that have SUCs that do not offer nursing courses.

“The advantage of SUCs offering BSN programs is that they can be accessed freely by underprivileged but qualified high school graduates,” Campos stressed.

He believes that the country’s public health care system and economy would benefit if his proposed House Resolution 1510 is approved.

“Highly paid Filipino nurses in America and Britain are among the biggest providers of cash remittances to their families here at home,” Campos said.

In pushing for the measure, Campos invoked Article XIV, Section 2 (1) of the 1987 Constitution, which declares: “The State shall establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society.”