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Filipino veterinarians safeguard both animal and public health, standing at the frontlines of disease prevention and community well-being. Limited recognition, financial pressures, and lack of well-being support continue to strain the profession and threaten sustainable animal care.

To address these challenges, Boehringer Ingelheim launched the Going Beyond campaign in the Philippines during the 93rd PVMA Convention welcome dinner in Iloilo, highlighting the challenges veterinarians face and their vital role in protecting animals and communities. 

“Veterinarians go beyond caring for animals—they protect communities, food safety, and public health,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, Head of Animal Health, 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.”

Boehringer Ingelheim partnered with TAGR, an independent strategic consultancy, to produce the white paper titled ‘Going Beyond: Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Southeast Asia’. The study surveyed 335 veterinarians and veterinary staff across the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, revealing the challenges they face and identifying strategies to strengthen the profession while safeguarding animal and public health.

In the Philippines, findings show veterinarians face significant challenges, including balancing quality care with client price sensitivity, limited public understanding of their value, and inadequate well-being support. Nearly half reports feel undervalued and at risk of burnout due to the limited public awareness of their work, affecting both their health and the quality of care.

Many veterinarians work over 40 hours per week, yet 64% of veterinary practices lack formal or informal wellbeing initiatives, leaving professionals without support to manage stress and prevent burnout. Seventy-four percent emphasize that better work-life balance is essential to motivate new veterinarians and ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability. While 44% say increased public recognition of their expertise and commitment could reduce stress, improve well-being, and foster greater support for the profession. 

These findings highlight opportunities to strengthen the veterinary profession and support the professionals who care for animals and communities. Collaboration among veterinarians, government, educational institutions, and the animal health industry through awareness campaigns, training, well-being programs, and industry recognition, can build a more resilient profession. Educating animal owners on preventive care can also foster stronger client-veterinarian relationships, creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for veterinary professionals in the Philippines.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s Going Beyond campaign honors the dedication, resilience, and passion of veterinarians working under challenging circumstances. The campaign highlights their vital role in advancing animal welfare, protecting public health, and ensuring food security, while inspiring greater public recognition of their impact beyond the clinic. 

Through this initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc., supports the veterinary community through ongoing forums, trainings, and programs that promote professional development and well-being, including the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, which provides advanced research training and mentorship for veterinary students. 

Building on this commitment, holistic health and well-being education was delivered to veterinarians during the convention through an expert-led talk and digital engagement on cardio-renal-metabolic (CRM) diseases – reflecting a cross-disciplinary approach that underscores the interconnectedness of the heart, kidneys, and diabetes. 

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

Celebrate and support veterinarians who go beyond every day to keep animals and communities healthy. Learn more in the Going Beyond white paper: https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/our-responsibility/southeast-asias-veterinarians-untold-story-resilience.

Dr. Michael Banawa, Head of Animal Health at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines Inc., launched the Going Beyond campaign, a global initiative celebrating the dedication, resilience, and impact of veterinarians worldwide. At the PVMA Convention, he presented key findings from the White Paper showing that Filipino veterinarians face long working hours, limited well-being support, and low public recognition, underscoring the need to strengthen professional development and build a more resilient veterinary community.

Dr. Lauren Ko, Medical Affairs Lead for Metabolism at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc., discussed the interconnectedness of the kidney, heart, and diabetes at the 93rd PVMA Convention welcome dinner. She highlighted that understanding cardio-renal metabolic (CRM) conditions is essential for veterinarians, encouraging them to safeguard their own health and go beyond in promoting overall wellness in their practice.

Filipino veterinarians gathered at the 93rd PVMA Convention welcome dinner in Iloilo to connect with peers, exchange knowledge, and explore ways to advance veterinary care. Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines launched the Going Beyond campaign during the event, highlighting the challenges veterinarians face and their vital role in protecting animals and communities.

*All Photos from Boehringer Ingelheim