MANAMA, Bahrain — For Ruth Rivera, a 58-year-old secretary at Magic Corn Food Staff who has worked in Bahrain for the past eight years, took a 20-minute trip from Budaiya to Al Hilal Medical Center – Manama. This was a journey she willingly makes every year.
A regular participant since the launch of the Healthy Pinoy Campaign in 2024, Ruth once again joined the more than four hundred (400) Filipino nationals who availed themselves of the free health screening and medical consultation offered by the Philippine Embassy Manama in partnership with the Al Hilal Medical Group on 31 July 2026.
Having witnessed the program’s growth through the years, Ruth said she has never missed a Healthy Pinoy campaign because of the benefits it provides to her and the Filipino community.
‘’I have consistently participated in the Healthy Pinoy Campaign each year as it provides me peace of mind regarding my health status. This program enables me to identify potential health issues early and manage my well-being more effectively while working overseas. I am genuinely grateful to the Philippine Embassy, along with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), OWWA, and Al Hilal Healthcare Group, for ensuring that quality healthcare is available to Filipinos in Bahrain.’’
It was launched in the year 2024, the success of the inaugural campaign led to its continuation in 2025 when it was expanded into a month-long health initiative, and again in 2026, reaffirming the Philippine Embassy’s commitment in partnership with Al Hilal Healthcare Group, to promoting the health and well-being of Filipinos.
This initiative offered vital health assessments, such as blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and fundamental health evaluations, enabling participants to better comprehend their current health status.
Meanwhile, Marife Reyes, 54 years, from the province of Laguna, who has been living in Bahrain for 20 years and has worked as an office staff member since 2009, also took advantage of the free health screening offered. She said she joined the program to support the Philippine Embassy’s health initiative while availing herself of the free medical consultation and health screening.
‘’The program has been a great help to many Filipino workers, especially since a medical consultation and basic health screening in Bahrain can cost between BD5 to BD20, I am truly grateful to the Philippine Embassy for making these free health services available to us,’’ Marife explained. By providing these services free of charge, the Healthy Pinoy Campaign allows OFWs to look after their health without worrying about the additional expense, making preventive healthcare more accessible to the Filipino community..
It will continue throughout the month of August, allowing more overseas Filipino workers in Bahrain to benefit from free medical screening and doctor consultations. By extending the campaign, the organizers hope to reach more members of the Filipino community and encourage them to prioritize preventive healthcare through regular health monitoring and early detection of potential health concerns.
His Excellency Gines Ricardo Jaime D. Gallaga, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, together with Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc, Labour Attaché of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas and Owwa Welfare Officer Juvilyn B. Gumabay personally attended the event. They were joined by Ms. Jiemarie Mortel-Ladrica and officers of Al Hilal Healthcare Group, who actively assisted participants and helped ensure the smooth delivery of the free medical screening and consultation services throughout the activity.
Captain Noel Escalona, Senior National Representative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Combined Maritime Forces (AFP SNR to CMF), also attended the activity to express his support for the Healthy Pinoy Campaign and its mission of promoting the health and well-being of the Filipino community and overseas Filipino workers in Bahrain.
Also present during the activity was Ms. Fatima Dalynn Mendoza, SSS Representative in Bahrain, who provided assistance and information to overseas Filipino workers regarding their SSS membership, contributions, benefits, and other social security concerns.
During the event, the embassy has continuously brought government services closer to the Filipino community by providing a wide range of consular services, including passport renewal, notarization and authentication of documents, civil registration (reports of birth, marriage, and death), visa and citizenship-related services, overseas voter registration and election-related assistance, and other consular transactions.
These services are complemented by the labor and welfare programs of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), such as contract verification, welfare and medical assistance, renewal of OWWA membership and various community outreach and health programs.
After completing their laboratory tests, participants who had fasted were given complimentary snacks prepared by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) as a modest expression of gratitude and concern for their involvement in the Healthy Pinoy Campaign 2026. This initiative demonstrated MWO’s dedication to promoting the comfort and welfare of overseas Filipino workers while they accessed vital health services.
Personnel from the Philippine Embassy, Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) were available to assist participants and ensure the seamless execution of the Healthy Pinoy Campaign 2026. Their unified presence illustrated the strong coordination among Philippine government agencies in delivering accessible and responsive support.
Beyond merely advocating for preventive healthcare, this initiative embodies the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that its programs are accessible, responsive, and focused on the needs of Filipinos, all while prioritizing their health, welfare, and overall well-being in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Similar to numerous overseas Filipino workers, Ruth Rivera and Marife Reyes understand that good health is one of their top assets while they’re away from home. Their experiences highlight the gratitude of countless Filipinos who back the Healthy Pinoy Campaign, not just because it offers free medical services, but also because it encourages them to take a moment, focus on their well-being, and prioritize their health. For these workers, staying healthy is crucial for being able to keep working, taking care of their families, and striving for a brighter future for the loved ones they left behind.
