Philippines – Philippine Senator Erwin Tulfo, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi to meet with Filipinos living and working in the UAE. His message was clear: Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) deserve easier access to healthcare and stronger support from their government.
According to a post shared by Senator Tulfo’s office on its official social media page, the visit included a productive consultation at the embassy and a stop at the Migrant Workers Office. There, the senator checked in on members of the Filipino community.
Healthcare Access Takes Center Stage
During the gathering, Senator Tulfo outlined his goals for making healthcare more accessible and convenient for OFWs. Medical care is a daily concern for workers who live far from home. It affects their well-being, their families, and their ability to keep earning for loved ones back in the Philippines.
The senator’s office did not share specific measures or timelines in its post. Even so, the discussion signals that OFW healthcare remains a priority in his legislative agenda.
“Doubly Hard” Service for OFWs
Senator Tulfo also stressed the immense sacrifices that OFWs make. Many spend years away from their families to provide for them. Because of this, he said, the government should work doubly hard to serve them.
The remark reflects a growing call for public services that match the commitment Filipino workers show abroad. For the many Filipinos in the UAE, it was a welcome acknowledgment of their contributions.
Officials and Community Leaders in Attendance
Several government officials and community representatives joined the senator during the visit, including:
- DAFA Capt. Romeo Maraña
- Kathryna Pimentel, Special Envoy to the UAE
- Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE
- Members of The Global Filipino Community and Associates (TGFCA)
- Members of the Filipino Social Club (FilSoc) in the UAE
The presence of both officials and community groups allowed for direct dialogue between policymakers and the workers they represent.
What This Means for Filipinos in the UAE
Filipinos form one of the most active expatriate communities across the UAE, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Visits like this one give OFWs a chance to raise their concerns directly with lawmakers and embassy officials.
The senator’s office closed its post by thanking the Filipino community for their warm welcome. OFWs in the UAE can stay tuned to official embassy and Migrant Workers Office channels for updates on any healthcare initiatives that may follow from this consultation.