MISAMIS Oriental Gov. Peter Unabia on Monday addressed recent backlash over his remarks deemed sexist by some members of the nursing community, telling provincial employees not to be overly sensitive about his comments.
“Ayaw mo pagpaka onion skin, sensitibo ra kaayo mo,” Unabia said during the weekly flag ceremony at the provincial capitol on April 7.
Unabia has drawn criticism in recent days after controversial comments about nurse qualifications went viral on social media, sparking disapproval from nurses and health workers.
During Monday’s ceremony, he asked capitol employees if they were “okay,” and assured them that he was as well.
The governor reiterated that he has “utmost respect” for nurses, but said he intends to hire male scholars for nursing roles to “make it fair.”
“Kanang realidad gyud, kanang sakto gyud, kung ang inyong dagway lalaki mo parhas sa ako, pag tan-aw palang sa HR sa ospital, di kana pasudlon, papahawaon kana, isa mana sa kinahaglan — pleasing personality ta, sakto ba na dili?” he said.
He compared it to airline companies choosing flight attendants based on looks.
“Discrimination lugar na? Nga mga airline company ilang pilion gwapa gyud? Example lang na sya, ayaw mo pagka onion skin, sensitibo ra kaayo mo,” he added.
Despite the controversy, Unabia announced an additional P6 million in support for nursing students at Mindanao State University–Naawan.
He said the remarks he made during a recent political rally were intended as a joke.
“Binuang ra to sya. Remember, ang time during sa pagsulti sa proclamation rally is alas nuwebe sa gabie. Ang mga tao naa na sa alas kwatro, upat ka oras naglingkod, kinahanglan ato na syang pukawon,” Unabia explained.
As part of the entertainment for that event, Unabia also mentioned they had “sexy dancers.”
“Unsa na po’y issue ana, unsa atong kwaon nga dancer?” he said. “Nangita ta'g mga sinaw nga dancer,” he added, noting past criticism that the performers were "big."
In the end, Unabia emphasized his appreciation for nurses.
“Salamat sa inyo, dili na pagbugal-bugal sa inyo, appreciated mo,” he said.
He acknowledged the emotional toll of dealing with patients’ families and encouraged nurses to exercise more patience.
“Medyo irritable kaayo na sila tungod sa sitwasyon sa ilang pasyente, so kana inyong pagpasensya, dungagi pa ‘na sya,” he said, while also relaying feedback from hospitals that some nurses were perceived as strict.
Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator John Venice Lagada declined to comment, citing travel to Manila, but promised to issue a statement by Wednesday.
