In an era when leadership in nursing is more critical than ever, Dr. Marc Ryan V. Portuguez stands at the helm of one of the largest regional councils of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) with a clear and powerful vision. A scholar, clinician, educator, and now Governor of PNA Region VII, Dr. Portuguez’s story is rooted in service, driven by purpose, and guided by the enduring belief that leadership is not about titles, but about impact.
Marc Ryan obtained his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the State University of Northern Negros in 2010, then went on to complete his Master of Science in Nursing in 2015 and his Doctor of Science in Nursing degree from Cebu Normal University in 2024. His early professional years were spent working across multiple clinical departments—orthopedics, obstetrics, medical-surgical, and emergency care—in both government and private institutions such as the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Visayas Community Medical Center, and Cebu South Medical Center. His immersion in clinical practice sharpened his eye for systems improvement and eventually led him to roles in training, research, and nursing education. Today, he serves as a Training Specialist IV under the Professional Education, Training and Research Unit (PETRO), while teaching graduate students at Cebu Normal University.
But beyond titles and credentials, what truly defines Dr. Portuguez is his steadfast commitment to professional development, inclusive governance, and strategic reform in nursing leadership. When asked what inspired him to run for Governor of PNA Region VII, his answer reflects a deep sense of duty rooted in his student days. “As a student, our school fostered a culture of leadership, and I was brought up with that same advocacy of leading people to better achieve a common purpose. I still carry with me that same advocacy.”
Though he had ended his term as a chapter officer, Marc Ryan never really left the organization. He remained consistently available, assisting both chapter and national PNA bodies when called upon. “Since 2016, I have never left PNA and as such I really do not count myself as an outsider,” he affirms. It was this consistent engagement, coupled with a strong desire to contribute more meaningfully, that pushed him to accept the challenge of leadership. “Being a young Governor of one of the largest regional councils of PNA in the country is a challenge for me,” he says. “But I trust that with the guidance of my predecessors, and with the new breed of leadership that the new chapter officers bring, we will be able to create programs that can benefit our members. I am taking this opportunity as Governor to bring a lasting difference in Region VII.”
As Governor, Dr. Portuguez has outlined three central priorities: inclusivity, education, and welfare. These are not just buzzwords, but actionable pillars around which he plans to unite the region’s chapters, professional groups, and special interest organizations. “I want to connect, collaborate and unify the regional chapters of Specialty Nursing Organizations and Interest Groups,” he explains, emphasizing that PNA must not operate in silos. “All sectors must be embraced. Sharing best practices and recognizing diversity are essential.”
On education, his mission is clear—to continue and expand upon the efforts of previous leaders in making professional development opportunities more accessible. “I want to make CPD activities more accessible and affordable for the members,” he states. He also believes PNA must shift from being reactive to being a proactive, solution-oriented organization. His approach includes the creation of sustainable welfare programs that don’t just provide one-time aid but focus on long-term support for nurses in the region.
One of his most compelling plans is to create a comprehensive database of professional nurses in Region VII. “There is currently no clear picture as to the situation of our RNs,” he observes. “This will be done through research, with the participation of the different chapters.” For a region as dynamic and diverse as Central Visayas, this kind of initiative is foundational—allowing policies and programs to be shaped by evidence, not assumptions.
Dr. Portuguez is also deeply aware of the challenges nursing leaders face today. “I believe that some of our members may lose confidence and trust in the professional organization when they cannot view personal benefits from it,” he reflects. His solution? Reconnect through transparency, relevance, and communication. “It is vital that we bring them back to our fold… nursing leaders should communicate well, demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence, and most especially, frame change as an opportunity to help others.”
Among his planned initiatives are the Early Career Forum for graduating student nurses, sustainable health and well-being programs, a mechanism for nurses to express their concerns without fear or bias, and the reestablishment of the Nursing Leaders’ Summit for inter-organizational collaboration. These projects are not only strategic but also responsive to the lived realities of Filipino nurses. They are designed to reinforce the importance of community while also building individual capacity.
For Dr. Portuguez, leadership is a continuous learning process. When asked what advice he would give to Filipino nurses aspiring to lead in professional organizations, he emphasizes clarity, courage, and curiosity. “Do not be blinded by the negativities that you hear, but rather focus on what you can change,” he says. He encourages young leaders to be guided by the professional code of ethics and to appreciate the value of continuous education. “Even monkeys fall on trees. Even the expert can make mistakes. Remember that leadership is not always perfect. It takes experience to hone leadership. Learn from the experience and respect the wisdom of past leaders.”
That wisdom is something he not only acknowledges but applies. With certifications as a Learning and Development Professional and Hospital Administrator, and affiliations with global professional organizations such as Sigma Theta Tau and Beta Nu Delta Society, he blends academic rigor with practical insight. His academic leadership has allowed him to influence students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, while his policy work with PNA allows him to advocate at the systems level.
At his core, Dr. Marc Ryan V. Portuguez is a servant-leader who doesn’t shy away from the complexities of governance, but rather sees them as opportunities for transformation. “I want to bring a lasting difference,” he reiterates, echoing the same motivation that began during his student years. His story is a compelling reminder that age is not a barrier to influence, and that the power of leadership lies not in personal ambition, but in collective purpose.
He represents a new generation of Filipino nursing leaders—forward-thinking, inclusive, and grounded in values. And in this season of healthcare transformation, leaders like him are not just inspiring; they are necessary.
