PhilHealth Joins OWWA Learning Series July 16, 2012

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently participated in the OWWA Learning Series for pre-departing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) held at the Blas Ople Training Center in Intramuros, Manila.

The three-day learning series was aimed at updating trainers of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) of OWWA and update their (OWWA) list of active PDOS providers. It was participated in by 400 PDOS trainers who were divided into three groups.

Also present were representatives from the Social Security System (SSS) and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF). Speakers from these three (3) agencies, including PhilHealth, were given 30 minutes each day to talk about their programs and services and another 15 minutes were devoted to the open forum. The primary audience of the learning sessions are PDOS trainers of both land-based and sea-based agencies. Currently, there are 411 PDOS providers accredited by OWWA and 95 percent of them usually attend the learning series. The first day is usually attended by land-based PDOS trainers.

Inquiries raised during the open forum with PhilHealth were more on steps and requirements in applying for membership, availing of benefits and declaring dependents. Some participants attested that PhilHealth was a big help in their hospitalization expenses. One of them even asked: "...given na mababa ang singil ninyo at mataas ang availment, paano kayo nagsusurvive?"

This is the first time that PhilHealth joined the OWWA learning series as part of its ongoing efforts to keep OFW members updated on their PhilHealth coverage and membership. (END)