The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) convened a high-level bilateral meeting with representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, the Gulf Health Council, and GCC Embassy officials to discuss streamlining health and medical screening for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) under the Wafid Program.
Held at the DMW Central Office on August 4, 2026, the engagement focused on enhancing quality assurance, expanding accredited health facilities, and strengthening protective measures for deployment-bound Filipino workers.
During the meeting, the GCC delegation presented the operations of the Wafid Program—a digital system designed to oversee and standardise pre-deployment medical examinations for workers entering GCC member states. The delegation outlined its accreditation framework, quality control protocols, and global implementation across 21 country partners, including the Philippines.
Currently, 24 medical centers and clinics across the Philippines are officially accredited under the Wafid framework. To accommodate the growing demand and improve convenience for applicants nationwide, the GCC Council announced plans to expand its network of accredited facilities across the country.
The DMW delegation, led by Undersecretary Jainal Rasul, Jr., welcomed the GCC’s commitment to expanding accessibility while maintaining rigorous standards. DMW leadership emphasized that the pre-deployment health process must prioritize:
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Integrity & Transparency: Clear, uniform appointment systems and transparent fee structures for all applicants.
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Quality Assurance: Strict accreditation protocols to guarantee high-standard care and reliable diagnostic testing.
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Inter-Agency Coordination: Ensuring all medical examinations are conducted strictly by qualified facilities aligned with Department of Health (DOH) standards.
“Our paramount objective remains the welfare, protection, and fair treatment of our migrant workers,” stated Undersecretary Rasul. “Partnering with the GCC and Gulf Health Council allows us to establish clear, standardized, and accessible health screening procedures while protecting our OFWs from fraudulent practices and exorbitant costs.”
Key DMW officials participating in the strategic discussions included Assistant Secretaries Levinson Alcantara, Jules Ambito-Fermin, and Maria Regina Galias, alongside Directors Jerome Yanzon, Paul Listones, Celso Hernandez, and executive staff.
The DMW and the GCC delegation agreed to maintain continuous dialogue to ensure seamless integration between national health standards and GCC pre-employment requirements.
