TACLOBAN CITY— Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is urging Congress to approve a measure that would establish a dedicated hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, calling it a long-overdue recognition of the country’s “modern heroes.”
Romualdez, a former House Speaker, said the proposed Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital would provide concrete support to millions of Filipinos whose remittances are vital to the nation’s economy. “Our OFWs carry our economy on their backs. One way to recognize their contribution is to ensure that they and their families have access to quality healthcare,” he said on Monday, Feb. 23.
House Bill No. 7227, filed by Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, aims to establish a Level III hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, under the Department of Migrant Workers. The hospital would primarily serve OFWs and their dependents while accommodating non-OFW patients as capacity allows.
The bill envisions a full-service facility addressing the unique health risks of migrant workers, including occupational diseases, pre-employment medical screening, stress-related illnesses, and urgent care for repatriated workers. It also includes research programs on migrant health, specialized training for medical personnel, and 24/7 telehealth support through Philippine foreign posts.
Funding would initially come from relevant agencies, with future allocations secured in the General Appropriations Act to ensure the hospital’s long-term sustainability.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
