TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol 3rd District Representative Kristine Alexie Besas- Tutor has expressed deep concern over the recent decision of the United States Department of Education (DOE) to remove nursing from its list of recognized “professional degree” programs under federal student loan policies.
While the reclassification does not affect licensure or clinical practice, it restricts access to federal student loans for graduate-level nursing education—an outcome that could have long-term implications for the healthcare workforce, including thousands of Filipino nurses in the U.S.
Tutor, who chairs the House Committee on Globalization and the World Trade Organization, urged Philippine government agencies to immediately assess whether this policy shift could affect the employment status, mobility, or professional standing of Filipino nurses already working or intending to work in the United States.
Calling the issue “highly technical,” she stressed the need for a coordinated evaluation involving the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She appealed for these agencies to urgently study the implications and craft a unified national position.
“As a licensed physical therapist, I stand with all Filipino nurses as this potential threat to their careers arises,” Tutor said.
She likewise assured the Philippine Nurses Association, nursing schools, and the Filipino nursing community in the U.S. that Congress is prepared to extend any necessary policy support to safeguard their interests. (BIN)
