Davao City — With over 400 participants from around the world, the Philippine Nursing World Congress (PNWC) 2025 stood as a powerful convergence of minds and missions in the nursing profession. Held in Davao City, this landmark gathering brought together Filipino nurses, global experts, educators, and students in an inspiring show of collaboration and purpose aimed at advancing the nursing profession both locally and globally.
Organized by the Filipino Nursing Diaspora Network (FiND) in partnership with top institutions like Sigma Theta Tau, Rozzano Locsin Institute, Holy Angel University, and Hawaii Pacific University, among others, the PNWC 2025 was a masterclass in international collaboration, thought leadership, and professional empowerment.
“This event exceeded our expectations,” said Dr. Jerome Babate, PNWC Congress Manager. “It’s one thing to bring people together, but it’s another thing entirely to witness the meaningful collaborations, knowledge sharing, and the lasting connections that were made throughout the event.”
A Space for Critical Conversations
At the heart of the Congress was the recognition of the pressing challenges faced by the nursing profession—rising global demand, burnout, workforce mobility, and gaps in education and research. The PNWC provided a space where such issues were not only acknowledged but tackled with academic rigor and practical solutions.
Satellite meetings proved crucial in shaping the dialogue. From sessions for nursing deans to forums for nurse researchers and students, participants tackled topics like curriculum innovation, research collaboration, and leadership development. These meetings provided fertile ground for strategic thinking and planning that could shape the future of nursing education and practice.
Global Expertise, Local Impact
The Congress brought together resource speakers from the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, creating a truly global forum for knowledge exchange. Held across key institutions such as the University of the Immaculate Conception, Ateneo de Davao University, Davao Doctors Hospital, and Davao Medical School Foundation, the sessions covered wide-ranging topics—clinical excellence, quality improvement, nursing leadership, and health policy advocacy, among others.
This approach underscored the PNWC’s commitment to bridging local realities with global standards. It also highlighted the importance of empowering Filipino nurses to contribute to global health systems while uplifting the standards of care and education in the Philippines.
Partnerships that Power Change
As Lead Convenor Dr. Pat Manalaysay emphasized, partnerships were the backbone of the Congress’s success.
“We have come together as a community of passionate professionals, united by a shared vision of improving nursing and healthcare not only in the Philippines but around the world,” she said. “The partnerships we’ve built here will last beyond this Congress.”
Support from sponsors like Genfinity, McCare Global Consulting, Public Services International, Berovan Marketing, and Health Carousel ensured the smooth execution of the event, from logistics to program development.
Recognizing Excellence and Looking Ahead
The Congress culminated in keynote addresses, plenary sessions, and poster and podium presentations that showcased groundbreaking research and exceptional thought leadership. Awards were given to top presenters, reinforcing the Congress’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of nurse leaders and scholars.
One of the most poignant moments was the Bequethal Ceremony, which symbolically passed the torch to the next host—Iloilo City, the site of the PNWC 2027. This gesture captured the continuity of purpose that defines the Congress: a shared journey of growth, innovation, and impact.
A Gathering with Lasting Value
Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the PNWC 2025 served as a reaffirmation of unity among Filipino nurses globally. It offered a vision of a profession not fragmented by geography or institutional silos but linked by a shared mission to elevate nursing as a driving force for better health outcomes and societal well-being.
In an era where healthcare systems are constantly tested, the Congress reminded the world of the vital role of nurses—not just as caregivers, but as researchers, leaders, educators, and advocates.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Babate concluded. “The energy, passion, and ideas we’ve seen in Davao City will shape the future of Filipino nursing and global healthcare.”
As delegates departed Davao City, they carried not just new knowledge, but a renewed commitment to the profession they serve. The PNWC 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. And it proved that when Filipino nursing leaders come together, they don’t just dream—they deliver.
Stay tuned as the road to PNWC 2027 in Iloilo begins—stronger, bolder, and more united than ever.