The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has expressed its gratitude for the tireless dedication of the country's healthcare workers, but Filipinos online think that giving them higher pay would be a better way to show the government's appreciation.

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In a Facebook post, the PCO thanked the country's health workers for their selflessness and sacrifices.

"Today, we celebrate the tireless dedication of our health workers who selflessly serve the Filipino people," it wrote on Sunday, May 7.

"Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our nation," it added.

However, Filipinos online thought that the country's health workers deserved more than just "appreciation".

One comment on the PCO's Facebook post said: "Health workers need salary increase," while another mentioned that the country's healthcare personnel "deserve to be well-cared for their services."

Filipino netizens commenting on PCO's post think the country's health workers deserve higher pay. (PCO/Facebook)

Last month, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stressed that Southeast Asian countries must find ways to address human capital flight, particularly in the healthcare sector, for the region's benefit.

Marcos said that the Philippines had become the victim of its success, citing the emigration of nurses and doctors.

To address this, he said the Philippines should adjust and find other ways to keep its healthcare workers.

"We have to give them at least equal opportunities at home," he said.

"It is very clear that most Filipino overseas workers are willing to take less in terms of pay so long as they can stay here," he added.