The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is pushing to upgrade its medical facility in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental from a primary care unit to a Level 2 hospital, following a coordination meeting between OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan and provincial officials last May 19.
Caunan, known as “Admin PY,” met with Provincial Administrator Ruel Gayoso, who represented Governor Juliette Uy, to discuss strengthening support for overseas Filipino workers in the Cagayan de Oro area. The hospital upgrade was identified as a priority item during the talks.
The OWWA Alubijid Municipal Outpatient and Primary Health Care facility was established to deliver healthcare services to OFWs and their dependents across Region 10, with seven conduit hospitals currently providing free medical assistance under its network.
Alongside the Level 2 upgrade, the provincial government is also proposing the establishment of a one-stop Dialysis and Laboratory Center within the Alubijid facility, aimed at broadening the medical services available to OFWs and their families.
The following day, May 20, Caunan visited the Alubijid facility to personally assess its current condition and discuss concrete steps for improving its healthcare capacity.
Provincial officials also expressed interest in expanding collaboration through the creation of YAKAP and GAMOT Centers — initiatives designed to widen access to free medical consultations, medicines, and other health services for residents and OFWs across the eight provinces of Misamis Oriental.
Caunan also disclosed that OWWA is currently reviewing and drafting revised guidelines for its Welfare Assistance Program, with the goal of broadening and strengthening the benefits available to OFW beneficiaries.
