03/06/2026
๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ง ๐ข๐๐ช ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐ช๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ก ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ซ, ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ข๐๐ช๐ฆ
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi can soon look forward to dedicated, quality healthcare services as the Department of Migrant Workers - Regional Office IX, in partnership with the Department of Health - Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health and Development, Zamboanga City Medical Center, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - Regional Welfare Office IX, prepares to open a dedicated OFW Ward at ZCMC in the coming weeks.
In a significant step toward strengthening health and welfare services for migrant workers, DMW Regional Director Gay Iris TS. Tangcalagan personally visited ZCMC and met with Medical Center Chief II Dr. Afdal Y. Kunting to discuss the final preparations, technical requirements, and operational details of the soon-to-open facility.
The meeting was followed by an ocular inspection of the ward, where officials assessed the readiness of the facility and discussed the range of services that will be made available exclusively to OFWs.
Once operational, the OFW Ward will provide free healthcare services and hospital accommodations for qualified OFWs suffering from illnesses, ensuring that modern and accessible medical care is readily available to migrant workers who have dedicated their lives to supporting their families and contributing to national development.
Dr. Kunting highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of Filipino migrant workers by ensuring access to quality healthcare services and modern medical facilities.
Regional Director Tangcalagan expressed gratitude for the support to this initiative and emphasized the commitment of government agencies to protect and promote the welfare of OFWs both during their employment overseas and upon their return to the country.
With final preparations now underway, the facility is expected to become operational within the next few weeks, marking another milestone in the delivery of dedicated and compassionate services for OFWs in the region.