SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to expand the capacity of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, from 50 to 100 beds, citing the increasing number of OFWs and their dependents seeking medical care at the facility.
Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, underscored the need to enhance healthcare services for OFWs, describing them as the country’s “modern-day heroes” who deserve proper medical support in recognition of their contributions to the economy and society.
“Ang ating mga OFWs ay itinuturing nating mga modern-day heroes. Hindi biro ang sakripisyo nila para lang maitaguyod ang kanilang pamilya at makapagbigay ng malaking ambag sa ating ekonomiya. Kaya dapat lang na bigyan natin sila ng sapat na tulong, lalo na sa aspetong pangkalusugan,” said Senator Go.
He emphasized that the bill is part of broader efforts to strengthen government support for OFWs, ensuring that they receive not only protection while they are abroad, but also essential healthcare services for them and their families.
The OFW Hospital was established through Executive Order No. 154, signed in 2021 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte, and was officially inaugurated on May 1, 2022. It serves as the country’s primary healthcare facility dedicated to OFWs and their dependents. However, with its current 50-bed capacity, the hospital is struggling to accommodate the rising number of patients.
Previously, Go was honored by the provincial government of Pampanga for promoting the welfare and interest of the province through Resolution No. 7643-A. Similarly, former Duterte was declared the province’s “adopted son” by Resolution No. 7643 in recognition of his significant contributions to Pampanga’s growth and prosperity during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
“Napansin natin na dumarami ang OFWs at kanilang pamilya na nagpapagamot sa OFW Hospital. Sa ngayon, may 50-bed capacity lang ito at kinakailangan nating palakihin upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mas maraming pasyente,” Senator Go explained.
Under Senate Bill No. 2990, the hospital’s capacity will be doubled to 100 beds, and its facilities and medical services will be upgraded accordingly. This expansion includes increasing the number of healthcare professionals and acquiring additional medical equipment to improve patient care.
The measure also mandates the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to provide the necessary funding for the hospital’s expansion through its approved annual budget. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) is tasked with including the OFW Hospital in its subsidy program to support the capital outlay requirements for medical infrastructure and equipment.
“Dapat siguraduhin natin na hindi lang physical expansion ang magaganap kundi pati rin ang pag-upgrade ng mga pasilidad at serbisyo ng ospital. Kailangan natin ng sapat na doktor, nurse, at medical staff para mas mapabuti ang pag-aalaga sa ating mga pasyente,” Senator Go stated.
Senator Go has consistently pushed for the improvement of healthcare services in the country, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as OFWs, indigent patients, and disaster-stricken communities.
The senator reaffirmed his advocacy for accessible healthcare, stressing that government support should not end once OFWs return to the Philippines.
“Ang pangangalaga sa ating mga OFWs ay hindi lang dapat matapos sa airport. Kailangan may suporta pa rin silang natatanggap lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan. Kaya isa ito sa mga prayoridad natin sa Senado,” he said.
Senator Go called on his colleagues in Congress to support the measure, noting that investing in the welfare of OFWs is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic move to sustain the economic contributions of the overseas workforce.
“Malaki ang naiaambag ng ating mga OFWs sa ating bansa. Kaya dapat lang na siguraduhin natin na kapag sila ay nangangailangan ng tulong, lalo na sa kalusugan, may malalapitan sila,” he concluded.
Go’s leadership of the Senate Committee on Health has already led to the passage of 80 laws aimed at upgrading and establishing various public hospitals across the country.
Senator Go’s other efforts to champion the welfare of migrant workers have also materialized with the creation of the DMW. Then-President Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11641 in December 2021, establishing the department, which was authored and co-sponsored by Senator Go.
He has also filed SBN 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and SBN 2414, or the “OFW Ward Act,” to ensure that every hospital under the DOH provides dedicated care for migrant workers and their families.
