(03 December 2019) – With the main aim of recognizing the hard work and contributions of Overseas Filipinos (OFs), migrants, and their families, the Department of Health served as one of the lead agencies in the Inter-Agency Committee on the Month of Overseas Filipinos (IAC – MOF) Regional Migrants’ Fair 2019. The Regional Migrants’ Fairs for this year were conducted in three sites and dates: October 16 at South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, October 25 at Binbincahan Gymnasium in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, and November 11 at Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte.

     Bearing this year’s theme: “OFs Ngayon, Balik Pinas bukas,” one of the event’s highlights was a mini trade fair where products of former OFWs were showcased to campaign for the successful reintegration programs for our Overseas Filipinos. By bringing government services closer to migrants and their families, the event aims to carry out the Philippine government’s commitment of “making migration a choice rather than a necessity” and the Department of Health’s campaign to universal healthcare access for all Filipinos wherever they may be in the world. The DOH also stressed that health is the most important investment of our OFWs while working abroad for their families with “Overseas Filipinos, laging tandaan..Kalusugan ang inyong puhunan.” In support of this, Zumba exercises, medical and dental checkups, health promotional materials, PhilHealth, and other health-related advocacies were offered to the participants by the Department. Basic social services such as PagIBIG, and SSS were also available. Each fair was attended by more than 500 participants from the whole region of each site. (END)