Campaign highlights challenges facing Filipino veterinarians

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By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

A global animal health company launched a campaign in Iloilo City, recognizing the role of Filipino veterinarians while highlighting the challenges they face in sustaining animal and public health services.

Boehringer Ingelheim introduced the “Going Beyond” campaign in the Philippines during the welcome dinner of the 93rd Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) Convention last February, bringing together veterinary professionals to discuss issues affecting the sector and ways to strengthen the profession.

The campaign underscores the critical role veterinarians play in protecting animals, food safety, and public health.

“Veterinarians go beyond caring for animals—they protect communities, food safety, and public health,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, head of animal health at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines Inc.

“Through the Going Beyond campaign, Boehringer Ingelheim recognizes their contributions and supports a resilient and sustainable profession that benefits animals, people, and communities alike,” Banawa added.

The initiative is supported by a white paper titled “Going Beyond: Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Southeast Asia,” developed by Boehringer Ingelheim in partnership with independent consultancy TAGR.

The study surveyed 335 veterinarians and veterinary staff across the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to examine the pressures facing the profession and identify strategies to strengthen veterinary practice in the region.

Findings from the Philippine respondents show veterinarians face significant challenges, including balancing quality care with clients’ sensitivity to service costs, limited public understanding of their work, and insufficient well-being support.

Nearly half of veterinarians surveyed said they feel undervalued and at risk of burnout due to limited public awareness of the profession, which can affect both their well-being and the quality of animal care they provide.

The report also found many veterinarians work more than 40 hours a week, yet 64 percent of veterinary practices lack formal or informal well-being initiatives to help professionals manage stress.

About 74 percent of respondents said better work-life balance is necessary to motivate new veterinarians and ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, 44 percent believe increased public recognition of veterinarians’ expertise and dedication could reduce stress, improve well-being, and strengthen support for the profession.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of these challenges while promoting collaboration among veterinarians, government, educational institutions, and the animal health industry.

The initiative also encourages greater awareness among animal owners on preventive care, which can strengthen relationships between veterinarians and clients while supporting a more sustainable professional environment.

As part of the convention activities in Iloilo, Boehringer Ingelheim also supported professional learning sessions for veterinarians.

Dr. Lauren Ko, medical affairs lead for metabolism at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc., discussed cardio-renal-metabolic diseases and emphasized the interconnected roles of the heart, kidneys, and diabetes in veterinary health.

The company said the session highlights a cross-disciplinary approach to veterinary practice and encourages veterinarians to safeguard their own health while promoting wellness in their work.

Through the “Going Beyond” initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines said it will continue supporting the veterinary community through forums, training programs, and initiatives such as the Veterinary Scholars Program, which provides research training and mentorship opportunities for veterinary students.

According to the company, these efforts aim to empower veterinarians to build a more resilient and sustainable future for animal health and the communities they serve. ###