DUBAI, UAE – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is currently monitoring close to 170 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates who are undergoing treatment for cancer. This situation brings to light the significant health challenges faced by some members of the Filipino community in the region.
According to data released by OWWA, the majority of these cases are concentrated in the capital, with 110 Filipino patients based in Abu Dhabi. The remaining 60 individuals are located in Dubai. These workers, who are employed across various industries, are receiving continuous medical attention while remaining in the UAE.
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan has affirmed that the agency is actively engaged with the affected workers and their families. She highlighted that providing support for access to medical care is a core part of OWWA’s welfare mandate for Filipinos abroad. The agency’s involvement ensures that these individuals are not alone as they navigate their health issues.
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can affect different organs or tissues. It may develop due to a combination of factors, including inherited genetic risks, lifestyle habits like smoking or poor diet, or exposure to harmful substances in the environment and workplace. It often demands intensive treatment and poses not only a health risk but also financial and emotional challenges for those diagnosed.
To assist the workers, OWWA provides aid through its established medical and welfare programs. These initiatives offer financial support to eligible members who are dealing with serious health conditions. The assistance is structured to supplement any existing health insurance coverage and help manage the high costs associated with hospitalization and long-term treatment. This support is available both for workers in the UAE and for those who may eventually return to the Philippines.
The support for OFWs is bolstered by increased government funding for 2026. The Department of Migrant Workers and its associated agencies have received a larger budget, with OWWA specifically being allocated ₱4.285 billion. This funding is designated for a range of welfare services, including medical aid, emergency assistance, and direct on-site support for overseas workers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting the well-being of its citizens abroad.
