MANILA — The Philippine government is launching its first-ever health summit for overseas Filipino workers this week, aiming to catch diseases early and expand medical access for millions of citizens working abroad and the families they leave behind.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is holding the two-day Migrant Workers Health Summit Tuesday and Wednesday at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City, bringing together government agencies, hospitals and private health partners.
DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay said Monday the summit would open with a panel discussion assessing the current health status of migrant workers and identifying emerging disease risks they could face abroad.
Health experts at the event will focus on early detection and prevention strategies for illnesses that disproportionately affect OFWs, including cancer, tuberculosis, HIV and cardiovascular disease, according to Rubia-Tutay.
She said the DMW has tracked distinct health patterns by region: cervical and breast cancer cases are common among Filipino workers in Hong Kong, kidney ailments frequently affect those in the Middle East, and workers in Italy often see their health decline from juggling multiple jobs and skipping checkups, despite having healthcare access. Rubia-Tutay added that HIV/AIDS cases are also rising among migrant workers more broadly.
Beyond physical health, the agency is broadening mental health support through psychosocial programs run with the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Returning workers receive counseling through the DMW’s “Kumustahan” reintegration program, while those still overseas can access similar support through online and community-based sessions.
Rubia-Tutay said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has also raised concerns about aftercare for children left behind when a parent works overseas, signaling the issue could receive greater attention going forward.
Summit attendees will have access to services from partner agencies including PhilHealth, the Social Security System, the Professional Regulation Commission and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, along with free medical consultations, optical and dental care, and other wellness activities.
The DMW plans to make the summit an annual event, Rubia-Tutay said, and is working on a forthcoming agreement with the Department of Health to establish dedicated OFW wards in public hospitals.
