“At least they are able to monitor their health condition. This is our goal,” Macaraig said.
On Sunday, as early as 5:30 a.m. Filipino workers gathered on the ground floor of the Marianas Business Plaza to avail of the free blood pressure, blood sugar and eye-vision examinations.
Close to 300 were provided health and consular services.
Jose M. Sto. Domingo, administrative officer of the consulate, said more Filipino workers are availing of the health services.
In the lobby, the consulate, in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, made a DVD presentation on the Philippine government’s reintegration program.
Labor attaché Carmelina F. Velasquez said the reintegration program will encourage and motivate Filipino workers to maximize the gains of their overseas employment by saving and investing into productive economic enterprises in the Philippines.
Macaraig said in the U.S., only Saipan and Washington have Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Philippine Overseas Labor Office outreach and services.
“That’s how important Saipan is for the Philippine government,” he said, adding that Guam’s Filipino community had to request the consulate on Saipan to also hold free health screenings there.
Macaraig said the quarterly health screening on Saipan was made possible by the support of various volunteers.
On Sunday, the volunteers came from the Filipino Volunteer Medical Team, the CNMI Pharmacist Association, Hardt Eye Clinic, Bayani and Dr. Nathan Tan of Take Care/FHP
Macaraig and Velasquez encouraged Filipino workers to continue registering with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
“Although this is voluntary but it’s a big factor if they are OWWA-registered workers,” Macaraig said.
Filipino overseas workers who are OWWA members are entitled to financial benefits in case of accidents or deaths.
