The pioneering batch of graduates of the Enhanced Master’s in Nursing Education program pose with University of the Philippines Manila Chancellor Michael Tee at the commencement rites held recently in UP Diliman.
The Private Sector Advisory Council – Health Sector (PSAC-Health), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and UP Open University (UPOU), marks a major milestone with the graduation of the first batch of the Enhanced Master’s in Nursing Education (enhanced MNE)—an accelerated program initiative addressing the country’s shortage of nurse educators.
Eight professionals from NCR, Rizal, Batangas, Iloilo, Aklan, and Leyte completed the one-year, 30-unit graduate program, joining over 1,200 other graduates during UP Manila’s recent commencement rites. The enhanced MNE program equips nurses with essential teaching skills—spanning curriculum development, clinical supervision, and classroom instruction—and grants academic credit for prior clinical experience to fast-track completion.
“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.”
Launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the enhanced MNE program is jointly delivered by UPM’s College of Nursing (UPM-CN) and UPOU’s Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS). UPOU leads the core courses, while UPM-CN handles specialization subjects. As a CHED Center of Excellence, UPM-CN also spearheaded faculty development across 15 other HEIs implementing 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.”
The enhanced MNE is part of PSAC’s broader push to strengthen the healthcare workforce. PSAC also advocated for the National HRH Masterplan to align long-term workforce planning across agencies.
“These programs—working in tandem—create a pipeline of nursing talent that is responsive to both domestic and global needs,” Borromeo added. “They are designed not only to scale the workforce, but to elevate the quality of education and care Filipinos deserve.”
UP-Manila, Enhanced Master’s in Nursing Education Graduates
- Apostol, Lodemar Adricula, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2015
- Babasa, Ace Lennon Natal, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2007
- Bariuan, Paul John Dimaculangan, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2006
- Borja, Ivyhazel Panopio, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2011
- Camposagrado, Andro Eradio, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2008
- De Mesa, Abigael Comson, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2008
- Gonzales, Jex Aubrey Rivera, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2015
- Toring, Prince Japred Paraiso, RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 2009
