6th National Conference on Migration Health
26 November 2024 – “Health is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for a select few. Migrants, who leave home to seek better opportunities, deserve the same access to healthcare as any other member of our community,” emphasized Department of Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa during the 6th National Conference on Migration Health held on 19 November 2024. Organized by the Department of Health’s Migrant Health Unit (MHU), in collaboration with the Philippine Migrant Health Network (PMHN), the conference was attended by over 90 migration health advocates from various government and non-government agencies, academia, civil society organizations, the private sector, international organizations, as well as migrant representatives.
The Conference was opened by Sec. Toedoro J. Herbosa of the DOH, noting the PMHN’s significant strides in advancing migrant health. The conference was followed by messages of support from: (1) Ms. Carmelita G. Nuqui – President of the Philippine Migrant Rights Watch and PMHN Vice Chairperson; (2) Ms. Tristan A. Burnett – Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration; (3) Mr. Khalid Hassan – Director, International Labour Organization – Country Office; and (4) Hon. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino – Congresswoman, OFW Partylist, House of Representatives.
The Department of Migrant Workers Secretary, Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, provided a keynote address emphasizing that realizing UHC for migrants is an urgent and necessary goal and that the Philippines, as a global leader in migration governance has an opportunity to set an example of inclusivity and compassion.
The Conference witnessed the launch of the 2023-2028 PMHN Strategic Plan. The Plan sets priority areas that will guide the network’s implementation of migrant health initiatives from 2023 to 2028. The PMHN members also pledged their commitment in continued advocacy in promoting the Health of Migrants and Refugees.
The study entitled “Mapping and Rapid Analysis of Philippine Health Laws and Policies Relevant to Overseas Filipinos and their Families” was also launched during the Conference. Commissioned through the International Labour Organization – Country Office, the study provided rapid mapping of Philippine migrant health laws and policies and analyzed them using multiple lenses: (1) gender; (2) localization; (3) alignment with international labour standards; and (4) applicability to OFWs or their families.
A dedicated session focused on understanding Migration Health and Universal Health Care from global, national, and local perspectives. Dr. Karma Gurung from the International Organization for Migration provided an overview of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and discussed the migration health provisions within the GCM framework. Assistant Secretary Robert O. Ferrer Jr. from the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of the Undersecretary of Migration Affairs shared a recorded video presenting the progress report on the national implementation of the GCM. Lastly, Mr. Datu Abdulshattar Zailon II, Division Chief of the Population Division at the Ministry of Health – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH – BARMM), introduced the Migrants’ Health Strategic Plan of MOH – BARMM, a pioneering initiative that localizes the GCM provisions to meet the specific needs of BARMM.
The Philippines is known to be a major sending country for migrant workers. However, there are other typologies of displaced persons, including refugees, asyslum seekers, and stateless persons, who are also seeking refuge in the Philippines. Hence, the last session of the Conference revolved around expanding the UHC perspective. Asec. Ma. Regina Galias of DMW, Atty. Vincent Ong of Department of Justice, Ms. Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Ms. Rhodora Abano of Center for Migrant Advocacy, and Rev. Fr. Roger Manalo of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People served as panelists discussing the health challenges of different typologies of migrants, refugees, asyslum seekers, and stateless persons.
Lastly, Dir. Joel Buenaventura, Director III of the Bureau of International Health Cooperation, closed the conference by acknowledging the support of the Philippine Migrant Health Network. He called for a commitment to a future where no Filipino migrant is left behind, where health is a universal right—not a privilege—and where the well-being of those who leave their homes to build better lives is safeguarded with dignity and compassion.