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OFW Hospital: Everything You Need to Know

Overseas Filipino Workers deserve quality healthcare for all they do for the country. With this in mind, the Philippine government established the OFW Hospital in order to ensure that Filipino migrant workers are given the proper medical care they need. OFWs and their families can benefit from this project, especially those who can’t afford certain medical services such as surgery.

In 2022, the Department of Labor and Employment approved the construction of the OFW Hospital in Pampanga. It started operating in May as a polyclinic and proceed to full operations in June 2021. Former and current OFWs as well as their beneficiaries can avail of the medical services and programs implemented by the government through the OFW Hospital.

Note: The OFW Hospital is now under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

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What is the OFW Hospital?

The Overseas Filipino Workers Hospital and Diagnostic Center is a state-of-the-art medical facility located in San Fernando, Pampanga for the healthcare needs of OFWs. The OFW Hospital is designed to help with diagnostics and other medical examinations that Filipino migrant workers need to stay physically and mentally fit. It was built through the support of the government as well as the OFWs.

Moreover, the hospital has been built to serve as a referral healthcare facility for all Filipino citizens who need quality medical care. As of this writing, there are 100 beds available for OFWs and OWWA members who need comprehensive medical care. The main purpose of the OFW Hospital is to provide complete medical services to migrant workers and their families here in the Philippines.

Benefits of OFW Hospital Programs and Services

When it comes to the benefits that the OFW Hospital is intended to provide, OFWs can enjoy easy access to healthcare including their dependents who also need more convenient medical assistance. For OFWs who are at risk of injury or illness due to their line of work, they are most welcome to get medical aid through this specialized medical facility.

Aside from basic medical services, the OFW Hospital provides all-inclusive healthcare treatment with preventive and curative options. They also offer preventative measures including vaccination programs. Unlike other medical facilities in the Philippines, the OFW Hospital prioritizes the medical needs of Filipino migrant workers and their qualified dependents.

OFW Hospital logo

Qualifications for the OFW Hospital Services

Before you visit the OFW Hospital, it’s important to consider the qualifications as they prioritize OFWs and their beneficiaries To qualify for the medical services offered by the OFW Hospital, you must meet the following:

Sea-based or land-based Overseas Filipino Workers
Former or current OFWs
Active or inactive OFWs with no OWWA records
Any age

Another set of qualifications is for the eligible beneficiaries of Overseas Filipino Workers. For qualified dependents or beneficiaries, they must be:

Legal spouse of an OFW
Incapacitated or minor child of an OFW
Parents of OFWs who depend on their support
Minor sibling of unmarried OFWs

ofw hospital website — website of OFW Hospital

OFW Hospital Services and Programs

Needless to say, it’s important for OFWs to keep their body healthy. A regular check-up must be in place in order to prevent chronic illnesses. In case you are ill or injured, this medical facility will take care of you through its comprehensive programs and healthcare services. The OFW Hospital offers medical assistance including outpatient programs such as the following:

General Consultation

Through this medical service, doctors monitor the condition of the patient throughout the treatment process. They check the patient’s progress, improve movement, prevent health problems, treat disability or illness, and generally extend life in the best way possible. With general consultation, the doctor will address concerns, give expert advice, and listen to the patient in order to find the best treatment option. An average consultation takes up to 30 minutes to complete.

Diagnosis

Doctors in the OFW Hospital will figure out which condition or illness best explains the symptoms experienced by the patient. They will run a series of tests in order to pinpoint the main cause of the symptoms and other signs. Diagnosis includes imaging and laboratory tests among other procedures that are available in the medical facility.

Specialist Referral

After the diagnosis and a medical condition have been discovered that needs specialized care, the doctor will refer a specialist to attend to the needs of the patient. With specialized treatment, patients have higher chances of recovering from an illness. The hospital also provides many other healthcare services in order to ensure that OFWs get the exact medical help they need.

Under health insurance plans, OFWs and their eligible dependents can take advantage of the free consultation program. Other programs include pre-existing disease and pregnancy coverage. It’s important to note that you need to set an appointment for a consultation before visiting the hospital. Follow this link to book a consultation appointment:https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/.

How to Schedule an Appointment

OFWs who need immediate medical care can set an appointment in order to avail of the free general consultation at the OFW Hospital. Make sure to secure an appointment prior to your visit as they can only allow limited patients daily. Here are the steps for booking an appointment via the OFW Hospital website:

Step 1: Go to the OFW Hospital Appointment Scheduler by clicking on this link https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph to book an appointment.

Step 2: Select the site or program you need.

Step 3: Choose the appointment date that is convenient for you.

Step 4: Type in your personal information as required in the form.

Step 5: Confirm the date of the appointment and make sure you will show up on the said schedule.

Don’t forget to screenshot your confirmed appointment for future reference. Visit the hospital on your scheduled appointment, at the exact time and date. This is to ensure that you will be assisted with all your medical needs during your visit and get the professional medical assistance you need.

Video: OFW Hospital | Free for OFW and OFW Dependents

In this video, you will learn everything about the newly established OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga including its purpose, benefits, services, and programs for OFWs and their qualified dependents. It also shows how to avail of the medical services for free and why you should set an appointment before visiting this OFW medical facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

To know more about the OFW Hospital and its services, check out the following questions that are commonly asked and get the answers you need to know:

1. What is the purpose of the OFW Hospital?

The OFW Hospital has been established by the Philippine government in order to provide free medical care to Overseas Filipino Workers and their beneficiaries. It also offers other services including the issuance of medical certificates, laboratory tests, screening, and other medical requirements for OFWs before they are deployed to their job site.

2. What are the main services that are currently offered by the OFW Hospital?

The medical services available at the OFW Hospital include imaging and laboratory diagnosis, specialist referrals, and general consultation. They also provide free dental and medical care for OFWs, their dependents, and other qualified patients.

3. Are there free medical examinations or tests offered by the OFW Hospital?

Yes, there are free medical exams for Overseas Filipino Workers who need to obtain medical certificates as per requirements before deployment. This also includes specialized exams that are required by employers or sponsors for their pre- and post-employment health exams.

4. Can non-OFWs avail of the OFW Hospital services?

Yes, even non-OFWs can be admitted to the OFW Hospital as long as they were referred by an OFW or company that deploys migrant workers but aren’t considered OFWs. Healthcare services are also available to dependents or beneficiaries of Filipinos in the military or government offices abroad.

5. Do I need to schedule an appointment before visiting the OFW Hospital?

Yes, you need to schedule an appointment before visiting the OFW Hospital as per requirements. Note that only 30 individuals are accommodated at the hospital per day. To set an appointment online, log onto https://appointment-ofwhospital.owwa.gov.ph/.

6. Where is the OFW Hospital located and what are their working hours?

The OFW Hospital is located in San Fernando, Pampanga. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, except for Philippine holidays.

Summary

Now that you know about the purpose, services, programs, and some of the most frequently asked questions about the OFW Hospital, you are ready to set an appointment online. Remember that you need a confirmed appointment through their website before visiting because they only accommodate 30 people per day.

Moreover, it’s important that OFWs and their qualified dependents know about the free medical services offered by this hospital to help them afford healthcare, especially for those who don’t have enough budget for medical exams before deployment to other countries. With its state-of-the-art facilities, OFWs now have the opportunity to get the quality medical care they deserve.

Overseas Employment Certificate: What is it and How to Acquire OEC

how to get an overseas employment certificate oec for ofws

For aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers, it’s important to understand how to obtain an Overseas Employment Certificate. This is a prerequisite when applying for an overseas job as required by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. You will need to present this document before you leave the country for your job abroad.

At the airport, the Bureau of Immigration will ask you for your OEC in order to ensure that you’re a legal OFW. It also comes with some privileges such as getting exempted from paying travel tax and terminal fees. If you’re planning to apply for a loan, your OEC can increase your chances of getting approved. But what does OEC really do and how to acquire this essential document for OFWs?

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What is an Overseas Employment Certificate?

An Overseas Employment Certificate refers to an exit clearance that OFWs are required to present before leaving the Philippines to work abroad. After you get issued with an OEC, it is valid for 60 days. However, if you obtain it from the Labor Assistance Counter at Cebu-Mactan International Airport, Davao International Airport, or the NAIA, it is only valid for one day.

It’s important to note that the OEC is for single use only. Once you have presented it to the immigration upon departure abroad, it’s no longer valid. This is why it’s important to know how to acquire this document when you’re here in the Philippines for vacation or before you leave as a first-time OFW.

Benefits of OEC

There are a few benefits of obtaining an OEC from POEA before departing to another country as an OFW. For instance, you don’t need to pay for the terminal fee or any travel tax when traveling abroad to work. Moreover, this validates your legality as a Filipino migrant worker and that you are a registered OFW. This document can also help you when applying for loans in the Philippines.

Requirements for Acquiring an OEC

Before you apply for an OEC, you need to secure all the required documents. Remember that this is a separate process from your visa application, so you need to prepare another set of requirements for the OEC application. There are two types of document requirements for an OEC, the basic and the comprehensive requirements.

For the basic requirements, make sure to secure the following documents:

A printed copy of the Balik-Manggagawa Information Sheet or the Online Appointment Information Sheet

Valid passport with six months validity period from the scheduled departure time

Valid Employment Contract or any similar proof of employment

Valid work permit, work visa, or similar document

The requirements for household service workers, low-skilled workers, and professional or skilled workers vary, therefore you need to secure these comprehensive requirements to get your OEC. If you’re going to the United States or Canada, there are some additional documents you need to submit.

Now, there are two parts to this application that require comprehensive documents from OFWs. The first part is where you need to submit requirements based on your qualification. If you’re a skilled and professional OFW, you should prepare these documents:

Commercial Registration, Business License, or Company Profile of your employer

An endorsement Letter issued by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office which is directed to the Administrator asks for a ban on direct hiring

Moreover, you also need to provide additional requirements that are specific to the country of destination. Depending on where and what you’re applying for, here are some additional documents that may be asked from you to obtain an OEC:

Canada

Labor Market Impact Assessment

Labor Market Opinion

Certificate of Registration of the Employer issued by the ECON or Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program approval and Canadian Letter

United States of America

Employer’s Contingency Plan

Notice of Action and Labor Condition Application

The African and Middle East countries

In order to support your job application abroad, you also need to prepare the following additional documents:

Business Permit or Certificate of Employment

NC II or PRC License

Transcript of Records and Diploma

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Copy of insurance coverage that includes the benefits mentioned in Section 37-A of RA 8042, and a notarized statement regarding how the OFW secured the employment

Photocopy of ID or passport of the employer with contact details

In the second part, you need to comply with local labor laws so you need to prepare labor-related documents such as:

Medical exam certificate issued by any medical clinic accredited by DOH

E-registration account

POEA clearance

Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar Certificate

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar Certificate

Proof of Insurance Coverage Certificate

How to Acquire an OEC

Step 1: Register an account on the Balik Manggagawa Online Processing System https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx or log in if you already have an account. This portal is designed to help OFWs get new OECs prior to their departure date. You need to settle the processing fee and show up on your appointment to obtain the OEC.

Step 2: Set an online appointment on the portal. Select the time and date as well as your preferred location to visit. You may schedule your appointment before returning to the Philippines at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, or after at the nearest POEA office in your area.

Step 3: Go to your scheduled appointment to obtain your new OEC. Make sure to bring your valid work visa, appointment sheet, notarized Employment Contract, Philippine passport, and OWWA membership contribution receipt.

The processing fee may vary depending on the country from where you are obtaining your OEC. For those who will apply for their OECs in the POEA office in the Philippines, the fee is only Php 100.

If you have already registered, you will need to provide your recent OEC number. Then the Record Found pop-up will appear on the screen. Do the following steps to proceed with the processing:

Update information

Choose Acquire OEC or Exemption

Type in the departure date

Applicants who are returning to the same job site or employer will get a notification that OEC isn’t needed

Print a copy of the exemption message which will be presented at the airport

You are exempted to set an appointment at POEA or POLO if you’re already registered on the portal, have a recent OEC number, and will return to the same job place and employer. Just print the confirmation message after submitting your application online, no need to pay the processing fee.

Video: How to Get OEC Exemption Online 2023

In this video, you will understand how to be exempted from OEC online. There’s a new update that OFWs must be aware of when obtaining OEC exemption through the online portal. There are so many helpful tips provided in this video so make sure to watch until the end to uncover them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to acquire an OEC for new users of the online portal?

Go to E-Registration and click on Let’s Go, then tap on the Register button. Complete the form with your personal details.

2. How to obtain an OEC for existing users of the online portal?

Go to the POPS-BaM online portal here – https://onlineservices.dmw.gov.ph/OnlineServices/POEAOnline.aspx and log in with your details. Update your information including your beneficiaries and contact details. Then choose Balik Manggagawa for the assessment online. Type in your departure date and confirm that you’re returning to the same job site and employer abroad.

3. How to set an OEC appointment online?

Whether you’re a returning or departing OFW, you can now enjoy hassle-free online booking for your OEC application. Just go to the Balik Manggagawa Online Appointment System www.bmonline.poea.gov.ph and select your preferred venue and schedule for OEC processing.

4. Does POEA accept walk-in applicants for OEC?

Yes, you may proceed to the main office of POEA in the Philippines if you’re a departing OFW, or at your preferred regional office.

5. Who can acquire the Overseas Employment Contract?

OFWs who need to apply or obtain an OEC are those who are direct hires of an employer abroad, OFWs hired with the help of a local recruitment agency, and OFWs who are hired by the POEA’s Government Placement Branch.

Summary

Now you know how to obtain an Overseas Employment Contract for returning OFWs. This is an important document that you need to present to the immigration officer at the airport before you leave the Philippines. Knowing how to obtain this exit clearance can help OFWs enjoy a hassle-free application experience, especially for first-timers.

There are different sets of requirements for obtaining an OEC depending on what country you are bound to work in and the type of work you have. Use the official POEA website if you have questions regarding country-specific OEC applications. Make sure you qualify and meet the requirements, or follow the steps if you’re exempted to get an OEC.

Overseas Filipino Worker: Everything You Need to Know about OFWs

ofw explained overseas filipino workers meaning

Many Filipinos wish to work abroad for greener pastures. However, living and working in a foreign land can be a huge challenge. The urge to provide a better life for your family should be enough drive to achieve your dream of becoming an Overseas Filipino Worker. But before anything else, what does being an OFW really mean and how can you become one.

If you want to try your luck abroad, one of the most important things you should have is a specific skill. In addition to that, you also need to meet a set of qualifications and requirements to apply as an OFW abroad. Don’t worry because there are so many skills training and other educational programs that the Philippine government offers to aspiring OFWs.

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What Is An Overseas Filipino Worker?

An Overseas Filipino Worker is a citizen of the Philippines who left the country to work for an overseas employer. The main goal of OFWs is to provide for their families and send their children to decent schools. Wages and opportunities abroad are obviously way better than those here in the Philippines, so it’s not surprising a lot of Filipinos want to apply for jobs in other countries.

As someone working in another country, an OFW still pays taxes to the Philippine government. On the other hand, OFW remittances are essential in keeping the country’s economy going. OFWs are called modern heroes because they help the Philippines stay afloat despite the economic challenges faced as the Philippine peso continues to get a hit from the rising value of the dollar.

Benefits of Working Abroad

There are so many good things about working as an OFW abroad, but here are some of the best-known benefits of an OFW:

Experience new lifestyles and cultures of different countries.

Provide better quality of life and education for families and children.

Earn higher pay and better job opportunities.

Gain more skills that can be applied back home.

Get out of debt and achieve financial stability in the long run.

Buy a new home, car, or even start your own business.

Save a lot of money as an emergency fund for future unexpected bills.

Pay medical bills and other retirement needs of parents or grandparents.

How to Become an OFW Abroad

To live a more comfortable life in this challenging world, it’s important to consider other opportunities outside your comfort zone. Perhaps, working abroad has been your dream since you were a kid. So how do you become an OFW abroad? There are legal ways to become an OFW, but the entire process can be overwhelming for first-time OFWs.

You need to go through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in order to legally become an OFW. The POEA is a government agency that manages the deployment of OFWs to different countries. The hiring process is conducted by private recruitment agencies that are accredited and licensed by the POEA.

UPDATE: POEA has been absorbed into the new Philippine government agency called Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

These recruitment agencies help applicants get hired by overseas employers by assisting them with paperwork and other documentary requirements. They also ensure that both the applicants and their employers follow all the legal guidelines. The following are the basic steps in order to become an OFW:

Step 1: Attend the day-long Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar in order to determine whether working abroad is really for you or not.

Step 2: Choose a reliable recruitment agency that is licensed and approved by the POEA. Secure a job order first before processing your OFW application.

Step 3: Prepare all the requirements including your birth certificate, valid passport, employment certificate, NBI clearance, Transcript of Records, and other essential documents.

Step 4: Show up to your scheduled interviews for the screening process. This is basically an evaluation and assessment to determine if you’re fit for the job.

Step 5: Undergo a medical examination to ensure you are healthy and don’t have medical conditions that can affect your work. Also, you may be asked to undergo assessments in some testing centers to see if you have the skills and knowledge about the job.

Step 6: Sign the employment contract to make it official. Contract signing is one of the most crucial parts of the recruitment process, so make sure to review the terms and conditions and ask questions to clarify everything before you attach your signature.

Step 7: Pay the fees including the POEA processing fee of USD 100, OWWA membership contribution of USD 25, Pag-IBIG contribution of Php 1,200 per year, and PhilHealth contribution of Php 4,200 per year depending on your salary rate.

Step 8: Attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar to understand the laws, rules, and regulations in the country of your employer. In this seminar, you will learn about their customs and traditions so you can behave properly.

Step 9: Submit all your requirements to your recruitment agency or the POEA. This includes your PDOS Training Certificate, Overseas Employment Certificate, and official receipts of payments. The agency will submit these documents to other concerned departments such as the Embassy of your destination.

Step 10: Undergo validation before deployment. After completing all the requirements, you’ll have your departure date scheduled. Prepare your e-receipt and OEC because the Bureau of Immigration and POEA Labor Assistance Center staff will ask you for these documents. OFWs are exempted from paying travel tax and terminal fees.

Step 11: Congratulations! You are now an OFW. Remember everything you’ve learned from the training seminars you attended in the Philippines. Make sure to follow the rules and laws in the country you are currently working in. Just stay out of trouble and do your job so you can have a pleasant experience working abroad.

Video: OFW Trivia: Who’s An OFW?

In this video, you will learn about the meaning of being an Overseas Filipino Worker and other trivia about OFWs including their remittances, sacrifices, privileges, being homesick, and many more. It contains all the interesting things about OFWs and the dark side of it. Not all people understand how hard it is to be an OFW, so make sure to watch this video until the end to learn why OFWs are called modern heroes.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of interesting things about being an OFW and it’s good to learn about them through these frequently asked questions below:

1. When did the Philippines start deploying Overseas Filipino Workers to other countries?

The first batch of Overseas Filipino Workers who were deployed outside the Philippines, specifically in Hawaii, was in the 1900s. They were agricultural workers who satisfied the labor needs of the said US territory in the agricultural sector during the time.

2. Why do many Filipinos want to work abroad?

The main reason why so many Filipinos want to become an OFW is the better opportunities offered abroad. They can earn more and provide a better life for their families back home while experiencing new cultures and lifestyles.

3. If I became an OFW, am I considered a migrant worker also?

No, OFWs are not all migrant workers as some of them work in OECD countries while others are in non-OECD countries. However, OFWs are considered migrant workers because they also move to another country to find a job.

4. How many OFWs are there across the globe?

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are roughly 1.83 million OFWs working around the world based on the December 2022 reports.

5. What countries do OFWs prefer the most?

While the country depends on the skills and type of work OFWs do, the top countries that many OFWs consider when going abroad include the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.

6. What are the key benefits of working as an OFW abroad?

Overseas Filipino Workers enjoy great benefits when working in other countries across the globe. For instance, they get to learn new skills, gain work experience, and most importantly, earn more than the jobs available in the Philippines.

Summary

So we’ve talked about the definition of an Overseas Filipino Worker, its benefits, requirements, and how to apply. At this point, you have an idea of how to become an OFW and be successful abroad with the knowledge and skills you have. The key is to understand why you want to be an OFW and what is your driving force to endure being away from your family in the Philippines.

We have emphasized the significance of following the legal process when applying for a job abroad. While there are illegal ways to become an OFW, you should never go this route as you will only get in trouble eventually. Therefore, it’s important to have this guide for OFW aspirants and their families. After all, working as an OFW is not a walk in the park, it’s a big decision to make and you need to be completely sure before signing the contract.