Why It’s Important to Support Filipino Veterinarians

A 2025 paper by Boehringer Ingelheim found that veterinarians in Southeast Asia face economic pressure, burnout, and lack of recognition.

Boehringer Ingelheim, a German pharmaceutical company, partnered with TAGR, an independent strategic consultancy, to produce a 2025 white paper titled “Going Beyond: Charting a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine in Southeast Asia.” The findings highlighted the challenges veterinarians in the region face and identified strategies to strengthen the profession while safeguarding animal and public health.

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

Many veterinarians work over 40 hours per week, yet 64% of veterinary practices lack formal or informal well-being initiatives.

This leaves professionals without support to manage stress and prevent burnout. 

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

The company launched the Going Beyond campaign in the Philippines in February to identify the “unseen” role of veterinarians and address the professional crisis they face.

“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 said at the 93rd Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Convention welcome dinner in Iloilo.

Veterinarian Well-Being

The study surveyed 335 veterinarians and veterinary staff across the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Among the respondents, 74% said better work-life balance is essential to motivate new veterinarians and ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability. 44% also said increased public recognition of their expertise and commitment could reduce stress, improve well-being, and foster greater support for the profession. 

These findings show 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 likewise creates stronger client-veterinarian relationships, bringing a more supportive and sustainable environment for veterinary professionals in the Philippines.

Going Beyond Campaign

The Going Beyond campaign features the roles of veterinarians in advancing animal welfare, protecting public health, and ensuring food security. It also outlines their impact beyond the clinic. 

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. supports the veterinary community through this initiative by organizing forums, training, and programs that promote professional development and well-being. Among these is the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program, which provides research training and mentorship for veterinary students. 

This content was produced in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. Our Partner Content stories help us further our mission of providing relevant stories, expert insights, and business intelligence that empower Filipino entrepreneurs. The Business Manual maintains oversight of our partnership standards.