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Hawaii Governor Confirms Demand for Filipino NursesVIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines – Citing the shortage of workers in the health care sector in Hawaii, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle affirmed there is indeed a very strong demand for Filipino nurses in the US state. She also highlighted the vital role of the Filipinos in the state health care programs because of their distinct virtues, skills and values of professionalism. Thus, Governor Lingle led the ceremonial signing of the Letter of Understanding and Mutual Cooperation for the historic Hawaii Sister - State University Exchange Program and Nursing Education Initiative, as well as Pledges of Commitment and Support between the University of Hawaii (UH) and the University of Northern Philippines (UNP). Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson said that the exchange program would definitely generate more job opportunities for nursing professionals in the province. Under the exchange program, Governor Lingle said her state will train UNP professors to help local nursing graduates obtain a better chance to pass the rigid state nursing examinations and have high-paying jobs in Hawaii. The exchange program would also greatly help UNP President, Dr. Lauro B. Tacbas, to achieve his goal of fostering academic excellence in nursing education throughout universities in Ilocos, and later on increase overall global competitiveness. "This program will realize my dream to make Ilocos Sur as a source of Filipino - Ilocano nurses as world class professionals possessing a distinct health care values, the tender loving and caring Filipinos. It will also address the 10 - point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of creating 6-10 million jobs until 2010," he added. For his part, Tacbas promised the unwavering support of the university and his continual efforts to initiate other similar exchange programs with the state of Hawaii that would benefit both students and faculty members. Tacbas also disclosed that about 12,600 students are currently enrolled at the UNP - the oldest university in Northern Luzon and biggest producers of quality nurses up north. In her weeklong tour of the Ilocos region, Governor Lingle observed the centennial commemoration of the Filipino-Ilocano migration to Hawaii that began in 1906, when the Philippines was still a commonwealth territory of the US. Throughout her trip, Governor Lingle also inked similar nursing exchange programs between the University of Hawaii and other regional universities such as the Virgen Milagrosa University and the Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte. PNA / January 19, 2006
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