(14 December 2020) – The Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) - Migrant Health Unit (MHU) of the Department of Health (DOH) together with the Philippine Migrant Health Network (PMHN) has successfully conducted the 4th National Conference on Migrant Health (NCMH), first time in a virtual format, with the theme “Health of Migrants and Overseas Filipinos towards the Better Normal: Challenges, Learnings and Ways Forward”.
The 4th NCMH is a 4-part webinar series held on November 18 and 26, December 3 and 10, 2020, with over 900 participants registered online. This biennial Conference was participated by experts involved in the field of migration and health which include government officials, policy makers, academic experts, representatives from international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foreign service posts and migrants themselves.
The opening session of the 4th NCMH was graced by none other than the Secretary of Health, Francisco T. Duque III. Secretary Duque was able to set the tone of the conference and highlighted the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants and overseas Filipinos as vulnerable populations. The importance of realizing Universal Health Care (UHC) was also underscored to ensure equitable access to quality health care by all Filipinos, whether in-country or abroad.  The welcome remarks delivered by Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde of the Health Policy and Systems Development Team, pointed out significant contributions and important milestones achieved by the MHU since its establishment in 2014.
The first session of the conference was represented by high-level representatives from various National Government Agencies who presented the current government policies, programs and initiatives on the testing and quarantine protocols, repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration services for returning overseas Filipinos. Representatives from different civil society organizations and the academe sector served as the reactors.

The spotlight was on migrant voices during the second session of the conference, where overseas Filipinos shared their real personal experiences on dealing with COVID-19. There was a deep dive into the rich and surreal experiences of migrants themselves and their voices were heard clearly by relevant organizations such as various units from the Philippines’ Foreign Service Posts, Overseas Filipino Workers’ organizations abroad, and the National Task Force against COVID-19.

In the third session, the keynote speaker, Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire, the Spokesperson and OIC-Undersecretary of Health Regulation Team, discussed the government’s response against COVID-19 and introduced the concept of new normal from the health’s perspective. She discussed the concept of the ‘better normal’ within the context of health, and mentioned various risk mitigation measures as well as prescribed behavioral changes that should be institutionalized in all sectors, including the migration sector.
   
Lastly, the fourth session had distinguished speakers from the International Organization for Migration-Philippines and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). It was highlighted that migrants are identified to be one of the more vulnerable populations and they should have equitable access to health services, including the much awaited COVID-19 vaccines. NEDA underscored also the importance of jumpstarting the economy, although on a graduated basis, to keep up with the capacity of the health system.

The MHU, on behalf of Director Maria Soledad Q. Antonio, delivered the closing remarks of the 4th NCMH webinar series. It was reiterated that the DOH believes that the recovery of our country, from both health and economic losses due to this pandemic, is dependent on sustaining a resilient health system. This can only be done through the progressive realization of Universal Health Care (UHC) for all Filipinos, including overseas Filipinos and their families. Indeed, this conference is an affirmation of the Department’s commitment to make UHC a reality.
At the closing of the session, the Bureau echoed what Secretary Duque mentioned in his keynote speech, “Multisectoral collaboration is crucial to make certain that migrants are included in the discourse of health and that their voices are heard in the crafting of migrant-sensitive and migrant responsive health policies and activities. As we now carry forth in our recovery as a nation from the health and economic effects of COVID-19, our health system should be responsive to the ebb and flow of the Filipino population”.
The BIHC-MHU thanked all the online participants who had been part of the first ever virtual format of the Conference, and extended their deepest appreciation to all the partners, particularly from the various organizations involved in the PMHN. Truly, the success of the 4th NCMH is a testament to the importance of multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral coordination and collaboration, espousing the whole of society approach. The 5th NCMH is set to be held in 2022.