Philippine lawmaker Representative Kristine Alexie Besas Tutor has raised serious concerns about a recent policy decision by the United States Department of Education that could affect Filipino nursing professionals.
US Policy Change Excludes Nursing from Student Loans
In a statement published on November 24, 2025, Representative Tutor expressed deep concern about the United States Department of Education's decision to exclude nursing from a federal government policy list on student loans. This move has prompted immediate calls for investigation from Philippine authorities.
The congresswoman emphasized that this development requires urgent attention from multiple Philippine government agencies. The policy change could potentially affect thousands of Filipino nurses currently working in the United States, as well as those planning to pursue nursing careers there in the future.
Government Agencies Called to Action
Representative Tutor has called upon several key Philippine agencies to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this technical issue. The Professional Regulation Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, and Department of Trade and Industry must work together to understand the full implications of this policy shift.
The lawmaker stressed that these agencies must give this matter immediate and urgent attention to protect the interests of Filipino nursing professionals. The complex nature of the policy requires coordinated analysis from multiple government bodies with expertise in different aspects of the issue.
Congress Ready to Support Filipino Nurses
Representative Tutor assured that Congress stands ready to extend policy support to various stakeholders affected by this development. This includes the Philippine Nurses Association, nursing schools across the country, and Filipino nurses already working in America.
The congressional support aims to ensure that Filipino nurses continue to have access to opportunities in the United States despite the policy change. The lawmaker's statement highlights the importance of maintaining the strong presence of Filipino nursing professionals in the US healthcare system.
This development comes at a time when Filipino nurses remain highly sought after in the global healthcare market, particularly in the United States where they have built a reputation for excellence and professionalism over decades.