Capitol mulls donating land for OFW diagnostic center

CI T Y OF SAN FERNANDO – The Provincial Government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda is planning to donate a parcel of land for the establishment of a diagnostic center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the region.

This was gleaned during the recent courtesy call of officials of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Governor’s Office on Monday, led by Undersecretary Renato Ebarle, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Regional Director Zenaida Angara-Campita.

According to Governor Pineda, the diagnostic center for OFWs will be the first in the country.

The OWWA has reportedly allotted P300 million for the center, which will prioritize the wellness of OFWs, since the working environment outside the country is much different. There will be a regular monitoring of their illness or other medical problems at the center.

Cacdac,

meanwhile, thanked the Provincial Government of Pampanga for its concern for OFWs in the region.

Governor Pineda is hopeful that her initiative will be an instrument for other nearby provinces to put up a diagnostic center in their areas.

The lady Governor is known for her health programs in the province and the proposed project is in line with the Universal Health Care Bill authored by Senator JV Ejercito which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last February 21.

— Leah Isidro De Fiesta/ Pampanga PIO