Sen. Bam Aquino has filed a measure seeking to employ at least one registered nurse in every public school to provide students access to basic health care services and open employment opportunity to Filipino nurses.

 “Our students and our teachers should have quick access to basic health care and assistance in schools,” said Sen. Bam in Senate Bill No. 663.

 “Having a nurse in every school emphasizes the value of health, nutrition and well-being as part of the formation of our Filipino children. And with over 45,000 public schools, we create more meaningful jobs for our nurses,” he added.

 Sen. Bam pointed out that nurses are as important as other support personnel in the school system as they attend to the physical and mental-health needs of students, spearhead programs to promote nutrition and contribute health-related content in the curriculum.

 “Sa iilang paaralan, ang mga guro pa po natin ang nag-aalaga ng mga batang may sakit o nasusugatan. A nurse in every public school will safeguard the well-being of the students and faculty by attending to health-related issues and accidents,” he said.

 The measure mandates the Department of Education and the Department of Health to employ at least one registered nurse in every public school.

 The nurse will be responsible for improving the delivery of public health care services and providing relevant and timely education on wellness, hygiene, sanitation and other health safety measures to public school students.

 Nurses employed will receive a monthly stipend equal to salary grade 15, consistent with the mandatory minimum entry-level pay for government nurses under Republic Act No. 9173, otherwise known as the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.