Press Release - Bong Go highlights continuing efforts to promote welfare of Filipino health workers abroad

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go shared updates on the official visit of the Philippine Senate to the United Kingdom, where he, along with Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Grace Poe who are co-heads of the delegation, engaged in interparliamentary discussions with their British counterparts aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

The visit transpired as a result of an invitation from the British Group Inter-Parliament Union, marking an initiative to strengthen ties between legislators of the two nations while fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there.

One of the concerns raised during the dialogues revolved around the welfare of approximately 200,000 Overseas Filipino Workers in UK, including 40,000 Filipino health workers, primarily nurses, who have significantly contributed to the UK's healthcare sector.

"OFWs are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase the talents, skills and work ethic of Filipinos to the world," Go stated earlier.

As Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, Go shared that during his meetings with his counterparts in the UK parliament, he was able to raise some concerns of Filipino nurses particularly in terms of protecting their welfare, promoting their rights to proper benefits and compensation, as well as in ensuring a safe working environment for them in the UK.

In an interview on Tuesday, October 24, during a visit to projects he earlier supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Go further articulated the appeal of Filipino nurses in UK for a re-evaluation of their benefits and compensation.

"Nakiusap po tayo (sa UK) na pag-aralang mabuti ang benepisyo ng ating health workers doon, karamihan ay mga nurses... Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila, sa mga benepisyong binibigay nila and to revisit also 'yung mga kompensasyon o 'yung mga benefits na dapat ibigay po sa kanila once they apply (and work in UK)," expressed Go.

He shared that Philippine Senators present also further appealed to their UK