Senator Christopher “Bong” Go called on the government anew to improve the healthcare services for Filipino migrant workers, many of whom are exposed to working conditions that put them at higher risk for certain medical issues.

The Senate Health Committee Chair pointed out that many Filipino migrant workers have difficulty receiving quality medical services abroad due to their lack of citizenship or undocumented status.

In light of the adverse economic impact of the pandemic and other crises worldwide, Go stressed that even more attention must be paid to ensuring repatriated Filipino migrant workers do not fall through the gaps in the country’s healthcare system.

He recognized the establishment of the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga as an important step towards providing more OFWs with adequate medical care.

“Masakit po para sa akin na makita ang mga OFWs na iniiwan ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay para lamang makapagtrabaho sa mga malalayong bansa. Marami sa kanila ang nawalan ng mga trabaho dahil sa pandemya dulot ng COVID-19 at namomroblema kung ano ang ipangtutustos sa kanilang mga pamilya,” said the lawmaker.

“Kaya bilang mambabatas, talagang natutuwa akong makita na binibigyan ng administrasyong ito ng tamang pagkilala ang mga bagong bayani sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mas maayos at mabilis na serbisyong medikal,” he continued.

The construction of the 100-bed facility officially commenced in January 2021. The facility will primarily cater to OFWs and their qualified dependents and, in addition to providing medical care, will also conduct research on the prevention, care and treatment of occupational diseases common among OFWs as well as train health workers on the implementation of OFW-specific occupational health services.

To hasten its completion, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 154 last December 7. The EO provides for the creation of the Inter-Agency Committee on the OFW Hospital which will serve as its Board of Trustees. Among others, the body’s main functions and responsibilities will include promulgating policies and programs of the hospital.

In coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, a referral system will also be created to ensure the efficient delivery of medical and health services, including the conduct of pre-employment medical examinations of departing OFWs.

“The construction and establishment of the OFW Hospital is not only a dream come true but a fulfilled promise that serves as a testament on how much President Duterte values the sacrifices and contributions of our beloved OFWs,” Go told partner agencies earlier.

“Dahil sa inyong ipinamalas na dedikasyon at pagmamalasakit sa ating mga OFWs, maisasakatuparan na ang isa sa mga pangako ng Pangulo na siguradong makapagbibigay ng karagdagang kaginhawaan para sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

To improve the government’s responsiveness to the needs of Filipino migrant workers, the senator championed Republic Act No. 11641. The law provides for the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and was a priority legislative measure of the Duterte Administration.

The newly-created DMW will serve as the lead agency for ensuring the protection, promotion of interests, timely resolution of problems, and effective reintegration of Filipino migrant workers. The department is also mandated to regulate private recruitment agencies.

Moreover, the Act provides for the establishment of the Management Information System which will serve as a registry of all Filipino migrant workers, a 24/7 Emergency Response and Action Center Unit, and media and social media monitoring center to respond to their emergency needs.

Go is the author and co-sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2234, the consolidated version of an earlier bill he filed which sought to create the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers.