The mapping and rapid appraisal focuses on the status of the policies including their strengths and innovations, gaps and weaknesses and recommendations and opportunities for reforms to better respond to the needs of OFWs and their families.
Philippine health laws and policies relevant to Overseas Filipinos and their families: Mapping and rapid analysis
The Philippines recognizes health as a fundamental human right and has implemented extensive laws and policies to protect the well-being of Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families, who face unique challenges worldwide. This study analyzes these national and local laws and policies, assessing their current status and alignment with international standards, to enhance awareness and better promote the health of OFs.
This section reviews studies and literature related to the health needs of OFs and the laws pertinent to migrant health in relation to gender, localization, alignment with international labour migration standards and applicability to OFs and their families.
The method rapidly maps and analyses Philippine migrant health laws and policies relevant to OFWs and their families, using lenses like gender, localization, and alignment with international labour standards. It gathers and annotates relevant laws, swiftly analysing their status, strengths, and gaps and providing recommendations for policy reform.
The mapping consists of (a) international laws, conventions, and agreements; (b) ASEAN/Asian laws; (c) GCC laws; (d) Philippine laws; and (e) bilateral agreements. The international laws consist of multilateral treaties, conventions, agreements, and legal instruments, particularly from the United Nations, ILO, and WHO.
The laws, policies, issuances, etc. gathered were classified according to the four lenses: gender, localization, alignment with international standards, and applicability to OFWs and their families.
Rapid appraisal combines information regarding the migrant health laws gathered through (1) focus group discussions with OFW stakeholders and Family Circles in the five regions with high OFW populations; (2) semi-structured online interviews with Philippine government officers in select countries of OFW work; and (3) relevant agencies and local government units in the Philippines.
This section presents the current status of the law/policy, strengths/innovations, gaps/ weaknesses, and recommendations for policy/law reform of specific laws pertaining to (1) gender, (2) localization, (3) alignment with international migration standards, and (4) applicability to OFs or their families.
This chapter presents detailed recommendations based on a comprehensive analysis and comments on the gender dimensions of Philippine migration-related health laws and policies. By identifying gaps and proposing actionable steps, the aim is to enhance these laws and policies to better address gender-specific health concerns and promote the well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
A comprehensive list of all references and sources cited in the study, offering detailed bibliographic information to support the research and facilitate further exploration.
