Singapore – Filipino nurses working in Singapore’s public hospitals now have a new path to grow their careers. The Philippine government and Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) signed an agreement on October 19, 2026, that will fund postgraduate nursing studies for experienced Filipino nurses. Once they finish, these nurses will return to the Philippines to teach.
According to an official release from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Implementation Memorandum was signed at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City. It formally establishes the Singapore-Philippines Nurse Educator Scholarship Scheme.
Who Can Benefit
The scholarship targets experienced Filipino nurses currently employed in Singapore’s public healthcare system. Recipients will take up postgraduate nursing programs and later return home as nurse educators. The goal is to build a stronger nursing education workforce in the Philippines.
How the Two-Phase Contract Works
Scholars will sign contracts covering two stages:
- Phase 1: A contract with their current Singapore employer
- Phase 2: A contract with a Philippine employer or a government entity chosen by the DMW
This setup lets nurses build on their work in Singapore and then share what they’ve learned with future nurses in the Philippines.
What Officials Said
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac opened the ceremony by framing the deal as a long-term investment in Filipino nurses.
“As we formalize this Implementation Memorandum, let us look forward to a partnership that creates meaningful opportunities for Filipino nurses, strengthens our nursing education institutions, and contributes to the continued development of our healthcare workforce,” he said.
Singapore’s Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, Ong Ye Kung, pointed to the close ties between the two countries.
“Singapore and the Philippines share a longstanding friendship, with strong ties in healthcare. By investing in people and sharing knowledge and expertise, we can strengthen the healthcare systems in both countries,” he said.
Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See recognized the role of the roughly 200,000 OFWs living and working in Singapore. She said their welfare stays a top concern: “We are committed to looking after them and their welfare, and we work closely with DMW on all these aspects.”
Who Signed the Agreement
DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay and MOH Permanent Secretary for Policy and Development Lai Wei Lin led the signing. Secretary Cacdac and Minister Ong witnessed it. Others present included:
- Zenaida Gagno, Professional Regulatory Board of Nursing, PRC
- Ricmar Aquino, Commissioner, CHED
- Labor Attaché Haney Lynn Siclot, Migrant Workers Office in Singapore
- DMW senior officials
Filipino Nurses Remain in Demand
The numbers show how much Singapore relies on Filipino nursing talent. From January 2023 to June 2026, the Philippines recorded 37,026 deployments in nursing-related jobs to Singapore. That figure includes 4,500 new hires and 32,526 rehires.
For our kababayan nurses in Singapore, this scheme offers more than a degree. It’s a chance to grow professionally and help train the next generation of Filipino nurses at home.