In commemoration of Health Workers’ Day on May 7, 2025, healthcare professionals across the country held coordinated demonstrations to call for improved compensation, better working conditions, and the immediate release of long-overdue benefits.
Protest actions took place in key cities including Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cebu, SOCCSKSARGEN, Camarines Norte, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The Health Workers United for Wage Increase (HWUWI) coalition is pressing for a standard entry-level salary of ₱33,000 for both public and private healthcare workers. They also urge the government to expedite the release of pending incentives, such as health emergency allowances and hazard pay.
“We are overworked, underpaid, and our benefits are long overdue,” said Jocelyn Andamo, Secretary-General of Filipino Nurses United. She emphasized the growing frustration among health workers who continue to serve despite delayed compensation and lack of adequate support.
The Department of Health (DOH) acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the improvement of salaries and benefits for all healthcare professionals. Officials reiterated the importance of ensuring the welfare of workers to sustain quality healthcare delivery and retain skilled personnel.
Health workers say their demands are rooted in long-standing issues made more urgent by the pressures of the pandemic and economic challenges. The unified demonstrations reflect a broader call for systemic reform and concrete government action in support of the country’s frontliners.
