PhilHealth Bicol Spearheads OFW Empowerment Forum

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Bicol regional office spearheaded Monday last week the Empowerment Forum for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) convening members of the sector and their families to better equip them with important information concerning their rights and benefits under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).

The forum evolved on the theme: “Maligayang Bati, sa OFW ang Papuri”

PhilHealth Bicol Regional Vice- President Orlando D. Iñigo, Jr. referred to the OFWs as the modern day heroes, bringing Filipino workmanship and talents globally.

“They played a very important role of the sector in the financial stability of the country, as they help maintain our dollar reserves,” he stressed.

Iñigo further shared with the attendees some insights about globalization, as opposed to the old adage “no man is an island, quoting as will a Latin line “Ultra Plus” in referring to the places that the OFWs reach, exploring what is further beyond our islands.

He went on assuring the members that they are important to PhilHealth, thus this Forum is PhilHealth’s tribute to the OFWs and their families.

The PhilHealth’s Overseas Filipinos Program has a total of 30,070 members with an estimated 27,850 dependents in the Bicol region.

The sector enjoys more benefits than regular members under the Formal (Employed) Sector.

For one thing, according to Iñigo, under the OFPs members are automatically eligible for health benefits on the first day of their payment. Other sectors are required at least three months payment of contributions prior to confinement.

The members and their dependents under the OFP also enjoy outpatient benefits branded as Tamang Serbisyo sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya (TSeKaP). These are benefits that PRO V would like the attendees to understand better so they can take advantage of their PhilHealth membership.

The day-long forum was a mix of fun and learning as close to 50 attendees from Albay were entertained by PhilHealth’s homegrown talents: the PhilHealth band, and PhilHealth MemSec Dancers. The attendees joined the games and were eager for the prizes. Some even jammed with the band.

To make the event more festive, 14 participants were awarded with an annual membership coverage worth P2,400 each, during the raffle.

OWWA Bicol officer in charge Teresita R. Bantinan cited the importance of PhilHealth and OWWA in her speech, recalling that OWWA used to handle Medicare for the OFWs until it was transferred to PhilHealth so their agency can focus on the other important aspects for the welfare of our OFWs.

The activity concluded with positive feedbacks from the attendees, some even urging the PRO to conduct a similar forum in the other provinces so more OFWs and their families can be empowered about their PhilHealth. (MAL/AZSanPablo-PhilHealth5/PIA5/Albay)