The DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) announced on Friday, February 21, that the construction of the hospital catering overseas Filipino workers will soon commence and is expected to be completed by May of 2021.

Signed the deal were Pampanga Governor DENNIS PINEDA, Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Dr. LILIBETH DAVID, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator HANS LEO CACDAC, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairperson ANDREA DOMINGO and Atty. ELLAN MARK PAILAN of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation.

During his remarks, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that the hospital, which will be built in Brgy. Sindalan, in San Fernando City, Pampanga, serves as recognition to the contribution and sacrifices of the Filipinos working overseas. “This hospital is going to be built to recognize the heroism of our OFWs who continue to power economic growth in the country,” Bello said.

“It’s a fitting tribute to Filipino workers who, through their valuable remittances, have kept the economy afloat during many challenging times,” he added.

Once the first-ever hospital dedicated to the overseas Filipino workers is completed, it will render free services to overseas Filipino workers who are securing medical certificates, covering laboratory exams and other requirements for their overseas deployment.