The construction of the hospital for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Pampanga is expected to be completed by December 2021, slightly delayed due to interruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
The construction “remains on track for completion next year” despite the delays caused by the quarantine measures imposed to control the outbreak.
"There were stoppages in construction works but the hospital for our migrant workers would still be finished next year," the secretary said, stressing that the government expects it to be operational in 2021 so it can start serving migrant workers.
“Originally set for completion in April next year, the hospital can still be finished by December 2021, builders of the project assured,” he added.
Once completed, the hospital will provide free medical services to OFWs.
"It will render free services when OFWs are securing medical certificates covering laboratory exams and other requirements for their overseas deployment," Bello explained.
The Labor chief led the signing of the usufruct agreement between the pronvincial government of Pampanga and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the construction of the first-ever OFW hospital in the country in Barangay Sindalan, San Fernando, Pampanga Thursday, November 19.
"I hope we can do our best to complete this wonderful project earlier. The sooner it is finished, the sooner we can help our OFWs," Bello said.
The Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation are also involved in the implementation of the project.
PAGCOR earlier committed to donate P200 million for the acquisition and installation of equipment and facilities for the hospital while Bloomberry Cultural Foundation will shoulder the construction cost.