The History of Nursing

 Pioneered by the culture of care of our country's history.

 Through the face of war, caregiving nature was developed along with our incomparable love for
the country.

Early Philippines

The family members were known to take care of the sick family members. They believed that
the cause of the diseases were from an evil spirits or from another person. They believed in
Mangkukulam. Herb Doctors and priests were known to get rid of the evil spirits.

 Known to get rid of the evil spirits- Herb Doctors and Priests
 Spanish Colonial Era- Hospitals were built to care for the Spanish king's soldier and civilians. Only
elite Filipinos can receive treatments while the poor spent their last breaths at home.
 Hospital Real de Manila (1577)-built for the Spanish king's soldier and civilians
 San Lazaro Hospital (1578)- built for the patients with leprosy
 Hospital De Indios and Hospital De Aguas (1590)- Supported by alms and contributions from
charitable persons.
 San Juan de Dios Hospital (1596)- Rendered General Health Services to the public.
 Philippine Revolution- Many women assumed to take the role of treating the wounded soldiers.
(Josephine Bracken, Rosa Sevilla de Alvero, Dona Hilario Aguinaldo, Dona Maria Agoncillo de
Aguinaldo, Melchora Aquino, Agueda Kahabagan, Trinidad Tecson)
 Josephine Bracken-provided nursing care to the wounded day and night
 Rosa Sevilla de Alvero- converted her house into quarters for the Filipino soldiers.
 Dona Hilario de Aguinaldo- organized Filipino Red Cross
 Dona Maria Agoncillo de Aguinaldo- provided nursing care for the Filipino soldiers during the
revolution
 Melchora Aquino- nursed the ill and wounded and has brought comparison to Florence
Nightingale.
 Agueda Kahabagan- revolutionary leader in Laguna, provided nursing care to her troops.
 Trinidad Tecson- Mother of Biak-na-Bato, stayed in the hospital of biak na bato to help care for
the wounded soldiers.
 American Colonial Era- Nursing Education provided American women with sense of purpose in
the colony. They took charge of and Filipino women began to learn with careful eyes. Formal
training started to transpire.
 Ilo Ilo Mission Hosital (1901)- pioneered nursing education in the Philippines
 St. Paul's Hospital(1907)- opened classes in nursing under the Auspices of Education
 St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing (1907)- the school opened with three girls admitted.
 Mary Johnston Hospital and School of Nursing (1907)- the nurses' training course begins with 3
Filipino young girls fresh elementary as their first students.
 Mary Chiles Hospital School of Nursing (1911)(SNP)- established in a small house at Sampaloc
Manila
  San Juan de Dios Hospital School Of Nursing (1913) (SNP)- through the initiative of Dr. Bento
Valdez, the hospital passed a resolution to open school for nursing
 Dr. Bento Valdez (SNP)- he took the initiative to open a school for nursing students.
 Emmanuel Hospital School of Nursing (1913) (SNP)- offered 3 year training course for an annual
fee of 100 pesos.
 In the year 1920 (SNP)-1st board examination for nurses conducted at UP College of Medicine
and surgery. 68 passed out of 93 examinees. 93.5 % highest rate.
 Filipino Nurses Association (1922) (SNP)-was established as National Organization of Filipino
Nurses and in 1966 it was renamed to Philippine Nurses Association.
 In the year 1929 (SNP)-The Filipino Nurses Association became a member of the International
Council of Nurses.
 World War 2-It made the public health nurses in Manila assigned to devastated areas to attend
the sick and wounded just like in the US a lot of public health nurses joined the guerillas or went
to hide in the mountain.
 In 1946 (WW2)-post war records of the Bureau of Health showed that there were 308 public
health nurses and 38 supervisors compared to prewar that has 556 public health nurses and 38
supervisors.
 1st Colleges in the Philippines
-University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing (1946)
-Manila Central University College of Nursing (1947)
-University of Philippines Manila College of Nursing (1948)

Nursing Development

-In the year 1951 to 1971, the number of nurses in the Philippines increased
-Philippine nursing act of 1991 was amended under RA
-Qualifications of nurses was updated to Master's Degree
-Creation of Nursing Certification Council
-Philippine Nursing act 2002 changes underscore on the requirements and conduct for Nursing Licensure
Exam.

 1951 to 1971-The increasing number of nurses in the Philippines have also bought about the
celebration of Nurses' week which was proclaimed by Pres. Carlos Garcia under proclamation
No. 539.
 Philippine Nursing Act of 1991-was amended under RA 7164 which expanded nursing practice to
other roles.
 Creation of Nursing Certification Council in 1999-supervised the new program implementation
by specialty certification Boards prompted to start advanced Practice Nursing (APN)
 Philippine Nursing Act 2002-changed the underscores on the requirements or Faculty and Dean
of the Colleges, as well as the conduct for Nursing Licensure Exam
Early Beliefs, Practices and Care of the sick

 Early Filipinos subscribed to superstitious belief and practices in relation to health and sickness

 Diseases, their causes and treatment were associated with mysticism and superstitions

 Cause of disease was caused by another person (an enemy of witch) or evil spirits

 Persons suffering from diseases without any identified cause were believed bewitched by
“mangkukulam”

 Difficult childbirth were attributed to “nonos”

 Evil spirits could be driven away by persons with powers to expel demons

 Belief in special Gods of healing: priest-physician, word doctors, herbolarios/herb doctors

Early Hospitals during the Spanish Regime

 Religious orders exerted efforts to care for the sick by building hospitals in different parts of the
Philippines:

1. Hospital Real de Manila San Juan de Dios Hospital

2. San Lazaro Hospital Hospital de Aguas Santas

3. Hospital de Indios

Prominent personages involved during the Philippine Revolution

1. Josephine Bracken – wife of Jose Rizal installed a field hospital in an estate in Tejeros that
provided nursing care to the wounded night and day.

2. Rose Sevilla de Alvaro – converted their house into quarters for Filipino soldiers during the Phil-
American War in 1899.

3. Hilaria de Aguinaldo –wife of Emlio Aginaldo organized the Filipino Red Cross.

4. Melchora Aquino – (Tandang Sora) nursed the wounded Filipino soldiers, gave them shelter and
food.

5. Captain Salomen – a revolutionary leader in Nueva Ecija provided nursing care to the wounded
when not in combat.

6. Agueda Kahabagan – revolutionary leader in Laguna also provided nursing services to her
troops.

7. Trinidad Tecson (Ina ng Biak na Bato) – stayed in the hospital at Biac na Bato to care for the
wounded soldiers.

School Of Nursing

1. St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing, Intramuros Manila – 1900

2. Iloilo Mission Hospital Training School of Nursing – 1906

  1909 – Distinction of graduating the 1st trained nurses in the Phils. With no standard
requirements for admission of applicants except their “willingness to work”

 April 1946 – a board exam was held outside of Manila. It was held in the Iloilo Mission
Hospital thru the request of Ms. Loreto Tupas, principal of the school.

3. St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing – 1907; opened after four years as a dispensary clinic.

4. Mary Johnston Hospital School of Nursing – 1907

5. Philippines General Hospital school of Nursing – 1910

College of Nursing

1. UST College of Nursing – 1st College of Nursing in the Phils: 1877

2. MCU College of Nursing – June 1947 (1st College who offered BSN – 4 year program)

3. UP College of Nursing – June 1948

4. FEU Institute of Nursing – June 1955

5. UE College of Nursing – Oct 1958

1909

 3 female graduated as “qualified medical-surgical nurses”

1919

 The 1st Nurses Law (Act#2808) was enacted regulating the practice of the nursing profession in
the Philippines Islands. It also provided the holding of exam for the practice of nursing on the
2nd Monday of June and December of each year.

1920

 1st board examination for nurses was conducted by the Board of Examiners, 93 candidates took
the exam, 68 passed with the highest rating of 93.5%-Anna Dahlgren

 Theoretical exam was held at the UP Amphitheater of the College of Medicine and Surgery.
Practical exam at the PGH Library.

1921

 Filipino Nurses Association was established (now PNA) as the National Organization Of Filipino
Nurses

 PNA: 1st President – Rosario Delgado

 Founder – Anastacia Giron-Tupas

1953

 Republic Act 877, known as the “Nursing Practice Law” was approved.
History does matter. This statement must have been self-evident over the years,
decades, and centuries past. It is inescapable. Far from being a ‘dull and boring’
subject, its depth excitingly connects things through time and encourages
starters to take a long view of such connections for a better understanding of
their chosen path.

Nursing in the Philippines has a deep and enigmatic history. This article illustrates
the considerable weight and influence of nursing history while at the same time
disclosing the challenges of applying the past to the present.

Early Beliefs & Practices

Two words—mysticism and superstitions. These were the early beliefs of health and illness in the
Philippines. The cause of a disease was primarily believed to be due to either another person, whom
which was an enemy, or a witch or evil spirits. In the early times, Filipinos were very cautious not to
disturb other people or the evil spirits for the good of their health. These evil spirits could be driven
away by persons with power to banish demons.Belief in special gods of healing, with the priest -
physician (called “word doctors”) as intermediary. If they used leaves or roots, they were called herb
doctors (“herbolarios”) Filipinos who became sick were usually cared for by the female family
members or friends in the home.

Early Care of the Sick

The early Filipinos subscribed to superstitious belief and practices in relation to health and sickness.
Herb men were called “herbicheros” meaning one who practiced witchcraft. Persons suffering from
diseases without any identified cause were believed bewitched by “mangkukulam” or “manggagaway”.
Difficult childbirth and some diseases (called “pamao”) were attributed to “nunos”. Midwives assisted in
childbirth. During labor, the “mabuting hilot” (good midwife) was called in. If the birth became difficult,
witches were supposed to be the cause. To disperse their influence, gunpowder were exploded from a
bamboo cane close to the head of the sufferer.

Health Care During the Spanish Regime

The context of nursing has manifested through simple nutrition, wound care, and taking care of an ill
member of the family. Certain practices when taking care of a sick individuals entails interventions from
babaylan (priest physicians) or albularyo (herb doctor). In 1578, male nurses were acknowledged as
Spanish Friars’ assistants for caring sick individuals in the hospital. These male nurses were referred
as practicante or enfermero.

The religious orders exerted their efforts to care for the sick by building hospitals in different parts of the
Philippines. The earliest hospitals were:

Hospital Real de Manila (1577) – it was established mainly to care for the Spanish king’s soldiers, but
also admitted Spanish civilians; founded by Gov. Francisco de Sande.
San Lazaro Hospital (1578) – founded by Brother Juan Clemente and was administered for many years
by the Hospitalliers of San Juan de Dios; built exclusively for patients with leprosy.

Hospital de Indios (1586) – established by the Franciscan Order; service was in general supported by
alms and contributions from charitable persons.

Hospital de Aguas Santas (1590) – established in Laguna; near a medicinal spring, founded by Brother J.
Bautista of the Franciscan Order.

San Juan de Dios Hospital (1596) – founded by the Brotherhood of Misericordia and administered by
the Hospitaliers of San Juan de Dios; support was delivered from alms and rents; rendered general
health service to the public.

Nursing During the Philippine Revolution

In the late 1890’s, the war between Philippines and Spain emerges which resulted to significant amount
of casualties. With this, many women have assumed the role of nurses in order to assist the wounded
soldiers. The emergence of Filipina nurses brought about the development of Philippines Red Cross.

Josephine Bracken — wife of Jose Rizal, installed a field hospital in an estate house in Tejeros. She
provided nursing care to the wounded night and day.

Rosa Sevilla de Alvero — converted their house into quarters for the Filipino soldiers; during the
Philippine-American War that broke out in 1899

Dona Hilaria de Aguinaldo — wife of Emilio Aguinaldo who organized that Filipino Red Cross under the
inspiration of Mabini.

Dona Maria Agoncillo de Aguinaldo — second wife of Emilio Aguinaldo; provided nursing care to
Filipino soldiers during the revolution, President of the Filipino Red Cross branch in Batangas.

Melchora Aquino a.k.a. “Tandang Sora” — nursed the wounded Filipino soldiers and gave them shelter
and food.

Capitan Salome — a revolutionary leader in Nueva Ecija; provided nursing care to the wounded when
not in combat.

Agueda Kahabagan — revolutionary leader in Laguna, also provided nursing services to her troops

Trinidad Tecson (“Ina ng Biak-na-Bato”) — stayed in the hospital at Biak na Bato to care for wounded
soldiers

Hospitals and Nursing Schools

Americans began training the first Filipino nursing students in 1907. Nursing students in the Philippines
studied many of the same subjects as nursing students in the U.S. However, it was believed that the
curriculum in the Philippines “was never a mirror-image reproduction of the American nursing
curriculum” and involved more than a simple transfer of knowledge from American nurses to Filipino
nurses. The first Filipino nursing students also studied subjects that were more relevant to their patients,
such as “the nursing of tropical diseases” and “industrial and living conditions in the islands,” as
described by Lavinia L. Dock’s 1912 book A History of Nursing: From the Earliest Times to the Present
Day with Special Reference to the Work of the Past Thirty Years.

Hospital School of Nursing’s Formal Training (1901 – 1911)

Formal training in hospital school of nursing transpire. This began when American missionary doctors
and nurses realized that they manpower is insufficient. Thus it resulted to a decision of training Filipino
nurses that would be catering to the hospitals that Americans established in the 20th century.

The first hospital in the Philippines which trained Filipino nurses in 1906 was Iloilo Mission Hospital,
established by the Baptist Missionaries. When this health institution was built, there were no strict
requirements for the applicants as long as they are all willing to work. This has been the beginning of
development of more nursing schools in the country. In this period, Pensionado Act of 1903 (or Act 854)
was mandated, allowing Filipino nursing student to study in United States. Among of the first wave of
nurses who went to United States

Iloilo Mission Hospital School of Nursing (Iloilo City, 1906)

It was ran by the Baptist Foreign Mission Society of America. Miss Rose Nicolet, a graduate of New
England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston, Massachusetts was the first superintendent for
nurses. It moved from its present location to Jaro Road, Iloilo City in 1929. Miss Flora Ernst, an American
nurse, took charge of the school in 1942. In April 1944 graduate nurses took the first Nurses Board
Examination at the Iloilo Mission Hospital.

Saint Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing (Manila, 1907)

The hospital was established by the Archbishop of Manila, Jeremiah Harty under the supervision of the
Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres located in Intramuros. It provided general hospital services. It opened its
training school for nurses in 1908, with Mother Melanie as superintendent and Miss Chambers as
Principal.

Philippine General Hospital School of Nursing (Manila, 1907)

PGH began in 1901 as a small dispensary for Civil officers and Employees in the City of Manila and later
grew as a Civil Hospital. In 1906, Mary Coleman Masters, an educator advocated for the idea of training
Filipino girls for the profession of nursing with the approval of Government officials, she first opened a
dormitory for Girls enrolled at the Philippine Normal Hall and the University of the Philippines.

In 1907, with the support of Governor General Forbes and the Director of Health and among others, she
opened classes in nursing under the Auspices of the Bureau of Education. Admission was based on an
entrance examination. The applicant must have completed elementary education to the seventh grade.
Julia Nichols and Charlotte Clayton taught the students nursing subjects. American physician also served
as lecturers.
In 1910, the Act No. 1976 modified the organization of the school placing it under the supervision of the
Department of Health. The Civil Hospital was abolished and the Philippine General Hospital was
established.

St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing (Quezon City, 1907)

St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing (Class 1914)

St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing (Class 1914)

The hospital is an Episcopalian Institution. It began as a small dispensary in 1903. In 1907, the school
opened with three girls admitted. These three girls had their first year in combined classes with the PGH
School of Nursing and St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing. Miss Helen Hicks was the first principal. Mrs.
Vitaliana Beltran was the first Filipino superintendent of nurses and Dr. Jose Fores was the first medical
director of the hospital.

Mary Johnston Hospital and School of Nursing (Manila, 1907)

Mary Johnston Hospital and School of Nursing

Mary Johnston Hospital and School of Nursing

It started as a small dispensary on Calle Cervantes (now Avenida). It was called the Bethany Dispensary
and funded by the Methodist Mission for the relief of suffering among women and children. In 1907,
Sister Rebecca Parrish together with registered nurses Rose Dudley and Gertude Dreisbach, organized
the Mary Johnston School of Nursing. The nurses’ training course began with three Filipino young girls
fresh from elementary as their first students.

Philippine Christian Mission Institute Schools of Nursing

The United Christian Missionary Society of Indianapolis, Indiana- a Protestant organization of the
disciples of Christ operated three schools of nursing.

Sallie Long Read Memorial Hospital School of Nursing (Laoag Ilocos Norte, 1903)

The Start of Nursing Practice (1911- 1921)

Promulgation of Act No. 2493 which amends Medical Law (Act No. 310) allowing the regulation of
nursing practice transpired during this period. However, in 1919, the First True Nursing Law was
enacted through Act 2808. During this period the Board Examiners for Nursing was also created. The
first nursing board examination was given on 1920. The first executive officer of the Board Examiners for
Nurses is a physicians.
Mary Chiles Hospital School of Nursing (Manila, 1911)

The hospital was established by Dr. WN Lemon in a small house on Azcarraga, Sampaloc, Manila. In
1913, Miss Mary Chiles of Montana donated a large sum of money with which the preset building at
Gastambide was bought. The Tuason Annex was donated by Miss Esperanza Tuason, a Filipino
Philanthropist.

Frank Dunn Memorial Hospital (Vigan Ilocos Sur, 1912)

San Juan de Dios Hospital School of Nursing (Manila, 1913)

In 1913, through the initiative of Dr. Benito Valdez, the board of inspectors and the executive board of
the hospital passed a resolution to open school of nursing. The school has been run by the Daughters of
Charity since then. Sister Taciana Tinanes was the first Directress of the School

Emmanuel Hospital School of Nursing (Capiz, 1913)

n 1913, the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society sent Dr. PH Lerrigo to Capiz for the purpose of
opening a hospital. Miss Rose Nicolet assisted him. The school offered a 3-year training course for an
annual fee of Php 100.00. Miss Clara Pedroso was the first principal

Southern Islands Hospital School of Nursing (Cebu, 1918)

The hospital was established in 1911 under the Bureau of Health. The school opened in 1918 with
Anastacia Giron-Tupas as the organizer. Miss Visitacion Perez was the first principal

A Much Established Professional Organization: 1921 – 1931

During this period, the precursor to the accredited professional organization in the Philippines was
created. The Filipino Nurses Association was established on October 15, and the organization initiated
the publication of Filipino Nurse Journal. Later, this journal was changed to The Philippine Journal of
Nursing. Amendment of certain sections of the Act 2008 was conducted in 1922 under Act 3025 passed
by the 5th Legislature. This policy is entitled An Act Regulating the Practice of Nursing Profession in the
Philippine Islands, which necessitates all nurses who are practicing the profession to register yearly. In
1929, the organization also became a member of the International Council of Nurses.

Through the 1930s, Philippine schools of nursing continued to adopt those aspects of American
professional nursing they deemed relevant and appropriate, such as higher admission standards and the
specialization of public health nursing.
Public Health Nursing Development: 1931 – 1941

In 1933, the nursing institution have increased their requirement. During this period, they have
implemented that to enter nursing education an applicant must be able to complete secondary
education. The first collegiate nursing graduates of the Philippines graduated from University of the
Philippines School of Public Health Nursing in 1938.

Other Schools of Nursing

1. Zamboanga General Hospital School of Nursing (1921)

2. Chinese General Hospital School of Nursing (1921)

3. Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing (1923)

4. Manila Sanitarium Hospital and School of Nursing (1930)

5. St. Paul School of Nursing in Iloilo City (1946)

6. North General Hospital and School of Nursing (1946)

7. Siliman University School of Nursing (1947)

Nursing during World War II

With the occurrence of the largest and most violent armed conflict in the history of mankind, there was
a re-emergence of nursing needs as well as new programs to entice women into training. In the US, the
government empowered the women to contribute. In fact, more women worked outside of the home
and as well as growth opportunities involving nurses multiplied.

While in the Philippines, World War II made public health nurses in Manila assigned to devastated areas
to attend the sick and the wounded. A year after, thirty one nurses who were taken prisoners of war by
the Japanese army and confined at the Bilibid Prison in Manila were released to the Director of the
Bureau of Health. And just like in the US, a lot of public health nurses joined the guerillas or went to hide
in the mountains during this time.

In 1946, post war records of Bureau of Health showed that there were 308 public health nurses and 38
supervisors compared to the pre-war 556 public health nurses and 38 supervisors. It was in the same
year when the creation of the Nursing Office in the Department of Health was recommended by Mrs.
Genera De Guzman, technical assistant in nursing of the DOH and the President of the Filipino Nurses
Association.

The Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing: 1941 – 1951

A nursing curriculum which was based on the thesis presented by Julita V. Sotejo, graduate of the
Philippine General Hospital School of Nursing, tackles on the development of a nursing education within
a University-based College of Nursing. This dissertation was the beginning of nursing curriculum that
have made the Nursing Institution of the country as a baccalaureate course. During this period, College
of Nursing was also created.

When the Japanese occupied the Philippines in 1942, training and practice at the hospital schools of
nursing in Manila was “violently disrupted.” However, U.S. colonial patterns in Philippine nursing
education soon returned after the U.S. reclaimed the country in 1945 and even after the Philippines
gained independence from the U.S. July 4, 1946.

The First Colleges of Nursing in the Philippines

University of Santo Tomas-College of Nursing (1946)

In its first year of existence, its enrollees were consisted of students from different school of nursing
whose studied were interrupted by the war. In 1947, the Bureau of Private Schools permitted UST to
grant the title Graduate Nurse to the 21 students who were of advanced standing from 1948 up to the
present. The college has offered excellent education leading to a baccalaureate degree. Sor Taciana
Trinanes was its first directress. Presently, Associate Professor Glenda A. Vargas, RN, MAN serves as its
Dean.

Manila Central University-College of Nursing (1947)

The MCU Hospital first offered BSN and Doctor of Medicine degrees in 1947 and served as the clinical
field for practice. Miss Consuelo Gimeno was its first principal. Presently, Professor Lina A. Salarda, RN,
MAN, EdD serves as its Dean.

University of the Philippines Manila-College of Nursing (1948)

The idea of opening the college began in a conference between Miss Julita Sotejo and UP President. In
April 1948, the University Council approved the curriculum, and the Board of Regents recognized the
profession as having an equal standing as Medicine, Engineering etc. Miss Julita Sotejo was its first dean.
Presently, Professor Josefina A. Tuason, RN, MAN, DrPh is once more reappointed as the Dean of UP
Manila College of Nursing

Proliferation of Nurses as a Workforce: 1951 – 1971

The Philippine Nursing Law was approved under the Republic Act No. 877 on June 19 1953. Then further
amendment was created in 1966 which limits that practice of among nurses 21 years old and above. The
increasing number of nurses in the Philippines have also brought about the celebration of Nurses’ Week
which was proclaimed by President Carlos P. Garcia under the Proclamation No. 539. The continuous of
nurses had also resulted to the first round of migration, particularly in United States. In fact, between
1966 and 1985 about 25,000 Filipino nurses have migrated to United States.

Nursing Profession Development: 1971 – 2001

Regulation of the practice of health care providers, the Presidential Decree No. 223, was mandated
which brought about the establishment of the agency, Professional Regulation Commission. During this
period, the Philippine Nursing Act of 1991 was also amended under Republic Act No. 7164 which
expanded nursing practice to other roles such as management, teaching, decision making, and
leadership. The qualification of nurses or faculty’s in the academe was also updated to Master’s Degree
in Nursing or equivalent. Another important event in Philippine Nursing history is the creation of Nursing
Certification Council in 1999 under the Board of Nursing through Resolution No. 14 which supervise the
new programs’ implementation conducted by Specialty Certification Boards. This improvement also
prompted the start of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in the Philippines.

Further Changes in Nursing Law: 2001- to Present

Nursing graduates take their oath in Manila.

Nursing graduates take their oath in Manila.

During this period, the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 was enacted under the Republic Act No. 9173
which entails changes on existing policies under Republic Act No. 7164. These changes underscore on
the requirements for faculty and Dean of the Colleges of Nursing, as well as the conduct for Nursing
Licensure Exam.

College of Nursing

UST College of Nursing – 1st College of Nursing in the Phils: 1877

MCU College of Nursing – June 1947 (1st College who offered BSN – 4 year program)

UP College of Nursing – June 1948

FEU Institute of Nursing – June 1955

UE College of Nursing – Oct 1958

1909

3 female graduated as “qualified medical-surgical nurses”

1919

The 1st Nurses Law (Act#2808) was enacted regulating the practice of the nursing profession in the
Philippines Islands. It also provided the holding of exam for the practice of nursing on the 2nd Monday
of June and December of each year.

1920

1st board examination for nurses was conducted by the Board of Examiners, 93 candidates took the
exam, 68 passed with the highest rating of 93.5%-Anna Dahlgren

Theoretical exam was held at the UP Amphitheater of the College of Medicine and Surgery. Practical
exam at the PGH Library.

1921

Filipino Nurses Association was established (now PNA) as the National Organization Of Filipino Nurses

PNA: 1st President – Rosario Delgado

Founder – Anastacia Giron-Tupas

1953

Republic Act 877, known as the “Nursing Practice Law” was approved.

Though it was not always considered as a profession, Nursing has already been existing for centuries. Its
significance of today will definitely not be proven real if not because of its remarkable history. And now,
the value of Nursing has stood the test of time and is becoming more visible in the eyes of many not
only because of its past, but also due to its considerable contribution in the society.

History

BRIEF HISTORY

Founded on September 2, 1922 as Filipino Nurses Association (FNA) in a meeting of 150 nurses presided
by then Anastacia Giron Tupas (Mrs. Tupas), the FNA was incorporated in 1924. The International
Council of Nurses accepted the FNA as one of the member organizations during the Congress held in
Montreal, Canada on July 8-13, 1929. The FNA became the PNA (Philippine Nurses Association) in 1966,
which was the same year that the office at 1663 F.T. Benitez Street, Malate, Manila was inaugurated.

Today there is a total of 368,589 licensed nurses (February 2005) in the Philippines and produces an
average of 13,000 new nurses every year.

The PNA was awarded the Most Outstanding Accredited Professional Organization by the Professional
Regulation Commission in 2003 besting 40 other professional associations and was five-time nominee
for the same award.
International Affiliations: International Council of Nurses; World Health Organization

Nursing Law. The New Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, Republic Act No. 9173, was passed on October
2002 with the aim of uplifting the standards of nursing in the country.

Nursing Education. There are about 350 Nursing schools in the Philippines which is regulated by the
Commission on Higher Education.

Life Purpose

To promote professional growth towards the attainment of highest standards of nursing.

PNA and its Physical Structures

The Philippine Nurses Association National Office is located at 1663 F.T. Benitez Street in Malate,
Manila. It was inaugurated in 1966, the same year the Filipino Nurses Association became the PNA.
WHAT's INSIDE the PNA?

Building 1. Members looking for research materials and resources could use the PNA Reading Room
found in building 1 of the national office. It contains both international and local volumes of journals and
other related materials, including the PNA's Philippine Journal of Nursing. The Administrative and
Accounting Offices are likewise situated in the building where day-to-day operation of the association
happens. Heritage can be found as well where PNA memorabilia including photos of past officers,
souvenirs from different visited places of PNA representatives are found. It speaks of the PNA's history.
Another spot in this structure is the lounge which accommodates visitors and meetings.

Building 2. To further accommodate the growing needs of its members, PNA National erected a second
building in 2005. Building 2 is home to the PNA Auditorium, a 170-seater conference style room where
most PNA Continuing Profession Education programs including seminars and trainings are held. Also
situated here are the President's Office and Board Room wherein Regular Board of Governors' Meetings,
Press Conferences and the like are conducted.

Both mentioned buildings house a 70 bed capacity dormitory, which members could avail at a
discounted rate as part of their PNA membership benefits.

This year, the PNA bought another building adjacent to PNA's head office. The building is undergoing
renovations and soon to open to serve more nurses.

The national office serves as a home for nurses from all over the country.

Core Values

 Love of God and Country

 Caring

 Quality and Excellence

 Integrity
  Collaboration

Program Thrusts 2015

1. Promote the holistic welfare of nurses
2. Generate programs and activities that would prepare nurses to be globally-competitive.
3. Intensify membership campaign.
4. Engage nurses to actively participate in the programs, projects, and activities of the
association.
5. Establish national and international networking/ linkages.
6. Promote the professional image of the nurses and nursing.
7. Guarantee transparent, policy-based and responsible utilization of resources.
8. Contribute to nation-building through institutionalized social responsibility initiatives.
9. Promote the Positive Practice Environment (PPE) for nurses.

History of Community Health Nursing

1901

 Act # 157 (Board of Health of the Philippines); Act # 309 (Provincial and Municipal Boards of
Health) were created.

1905

 Board of Health was abolished; functions were transferred to the Bureau of Health.

1912

 Act # 2156 or Fajardo Act created the Sanitary Divisions, the forerunners of present MHOs; male
nurses performs the functions of doctors

1919

 Act # 2808 (Nurses Law was created) – Carmen del Rosario, 1st Filipino Nurse supervisor under
Bureau of Health

Oct. 22, 1922

 Filipino Nurses Organization (Philippine Nurses’ Organization) was organized.

1923

 Zamboanga General Hospital School of Nursing & Baguio General Hospital were established;
other government schools of nursing were organized several years after.

1928
  1st Nursing convention was held

1940

 Manila Health Department was created.

1941

 Dr. Mariano Icasiano became the first city health officer; Office of Nursing was created through
the effort of Vicenta Ponce (chief nurse) and Rosario Ordiz (assistant chief nurse)

Dec. 8, 1941

 Victims of World War II were treated by the nurses of Manila.

July 1942

 Nursing Office was created; Dr. Eusebio Aguilar helped in the release of 31 Filipino nurses in
Bilibid Prison as prisoners of war by the Japanese.

Feb. 1946

 Number of nurses decreased from 556 – 308.

1948

 First training center of the Bureau of Health was organized by the Pasay City Health Department.
Trinidad Gomez, Marcela Gabatin, Costancia Tuazon, Ms. Bugarin, Ms. Ramos, and Zenaida
Nisce composed the training staff.

1950

 Rural Health Demonstration and Training Center was created.

1953

 The first 81 rural health units were organized.

1957

 RA 1891 amended some sections of RA 1082 and created the eight categories of rural health
unit causing an increase in the demand for the community health personnel.

1958-1965

 Division of Nursing was abolished (RA 977) and Reorganization Act (EO 288)

1961

 Annie Sand organized the National League of Nurses of DOH.

1967

 Zenaida Nisce became the nursing program supervisor and consultant on the six special diseases
(TB, leprosy, V.D., cancer, filariasis, and mental health illness).
1975

 Scope of responsibility of nurses and midwives became wider due to restructuring of the health
care delivery system.

1976-1986

 The need for Rural Health Practice Program was implemented.

1990- 1992

 Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160)

1993-1998

 Office of Nursing did not materialize in spite of persistent recommendation of the officers, board
members, and advisers of the National League of Nurses Inc.

Jan. 1999

 Nelia Hizon was positioned as the nursing adviser at the Office of Public Health Services through
Department Order # 29.

May 24, 1999

 EO # 102, which redirects the functions and operations of DOH, was signed by former President
Joseph Estrada.