DAVAO CITY — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday marked the Labor day by inspecting the Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital being constructed in Pampanga, as he recognizes the unwavering dedication and perseverance of the country’s overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“Please know that this is the government’s way of thanking our OFWs for their valuable contributions to our country’s socio-economic progress and for their critical role in upholding the Filipino identity in the global community,” President Duterte said during the event held in San Fernando, in Pampanga as the nation celebrates Labor Day.
“This is why I express my full support to initiatives that promote the welfare and development of OFWs who are among our reliable partners in nation-building, especially during challenges, calamities and events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Underscoring the sacrifices of the OFWs, the President has expressed confidence that the construction of the medical facility will be completed on time to cater to the needs of OFWs and their dependents.
He also encouraged the hospital’s future workforce—its management, staff and various healthcare professionals to perform their duty with utmost excellence, responsibility and compassion.
“Always keep in mind that the care and services that you provide to your patients will ultimately redound to the overall well-being of our citizenry,” he said.
Also during the event, President Duterte recognized the efforts of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Health (DOH), and government agencies as well as the private sector exerting effort to complete the facility.
Other entities behind the project include Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), and the Pampanga provincial government.
The Blomberry Foundation initially committed P500 million for the construction of the hospital building inside a 1.5-hectare land donated by the Pampanga provincial government in San Fernando. Pagcor allotted P200 million for hospital equipment.
Following President Duterte’s issuance of an executive order, the government set aside P250 million to fast-track the construction of the 100-bed capacity OFW Hospital. The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) also provided support.
The OFW Hospital is expected to serve OFWs and their legal dependents once fully operational by the end of June 2022.
Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and other key government officials also attended the event.
