Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez is calling for the expedited passage of a bill to establish an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital, aiming to provide quality healthcare for migrant workers and their families.
“Our OFWs carry our economy on their backs. At isang paraan para kilalanin ang kanilang kontribusyon sa ating bansa ay siguruhin na sila at ang kanilang mga kaanak at pamilya ay mayroong de-kalidad na healthcare,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez, together with Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list, filed House Bill 7227, which proposes creating a Level III hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga under the Department of Migrant Workers. The facility will primarily serve OFWs and their dependents.
Acidre highlighted that the measure institutionalizes migrant health as a permanent government responsibility rather than ad hoc support.
“This is a long-term and permanent service to all of our OFWs and their families. Sa laki ng kontribusyon nila sa ating bansa at ekonomiya, kulang pa itong kapalit. But it is really a very good start if we want to honor our heroes,” he said.
The bill also provides for scientific studies on occupational diseases, specialized training for medical professionals in migrant health, and 24/7 telehealth services.
Support could extend through Philippine foreign posts or labor offices to assist distressed workers awaiting repatriation.
Romualdez stressed that the hospital would be a lasting institution dedicated to OFWs’ welfare, ensuring their sacrifices abroad translate into better healthcare for them and their families.