Senator Christopher Go is pushing for stronger government interventions to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
He particularly mentioned Senate Bill No. 2297, which aims to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga and SBN 2414, also known as the “OFW Ward” bill.
“These modern-day heroes not only provide for their families but also contribute significantly to the nation’s economy,” said Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and a member of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers.
He acknowledged the hardships of OFWs, leaving their homes and families behind to seek better opportunities abroad.
SBN 2297 seeks to enhance healthcare services for OFWs and their families by institutionalizing the existing OFW Hospital and Diagnostic Center.
A key feature of the proposed bill is the assurance of necessary funding to support the continued maintenance and operation of the OFW Hospital, as well as providing necessary personnel and equipment.
The hospital, which was a donation from the provincial government of Pampanga, commenced its operations in May 2022. Located on a 1.5-hectare land, the six-storey facility can accommodate 100 beds, primarily intended for the use of OFWs and their eligible dependents.
Go accompanied former president Rodrigo Duterte in inspecting the hospital during the same month.
Republic Act No. 11641 was signed into law by Duterte in December 2022, creating the DMW. The Senate version of the law was authored and co-sponsored by Go. It is a consolidated version of an earlier bill he introduced to establish the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers.
Apart from delivering medical services, the hospital strives to take the lead in research initiatives focused on the prevention, management, and treatment of occupational diseases frequently experienced by OFWs.
On the other hand, SBN 2414, or the OFW Ward bill, mandates the establishment of OFW wards in every Department of Health (DOH)-retained hospital across the country. These wards will be equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to cater specifically to the healthcare needs of OFWs and their dependents.
This approach, according to Go, recognizes that OFWs often have unique healthcare requirements due to the nature of their work and the health risks they may encounter overseas.
The proposed legislation covers all OFWs and their dependents, including land-based OFWs, seafarers, and other sea-based workers. Dependents are defined as parents, legal spouse, legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated, and legally adopted children who are unmarried, not gainfully employed, and not over 18 years old, or those over 18 but incapacitated due to mental or physical defects. Macon Ramos-Araneta