October 2025 – OWWA has launched a new healthcare initiative, the “Alagang OWWA Botika” which is designed to provide free medicines and medical consultations to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
The Alagang OWWA Botika is part of a larger partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth. While currently in its pilot stage in Pasay City, there are plans to expand the program nationwide, promising to bring comprehensive healthcare support closer to all Filipino heroes and their families across the country.
With this program, OFWs and their dependents can expect substantial savings on medical expenses and easier access to essential healthcare. The initiative offers up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines each year, plus regular free medical consultations. It’s a comprehensive support system that aims to ensure the health and well-being of OFW families long after their service abroad.
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Key Benefits
By joining the Alagang OWWA Botika program, OFWs and their families can expect easier access to healthcare, significant cost savings, and ongoing support even after working abroad. The program ensures continuous care, free medicines, and regular consultations, helping promote the health and well-being of OWWA members and their loved ones.
Benefits at a Glance:
- Up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines per year for eligible members and dependents
- Free weekly medical consultations every Friday (YAKAP Day)
- Wide selection of medicines, including maintenance medication
- Accessible from multiple locations including OWWA Head Office and partner malls
- Inclusive coverage for active, inactive, retired, and repatriated OWWA members with a valid PhilHealth number
Who is Eligible?
OWWA has ensured that the program is inclusive, extending its reach beyond currently employed workers. The benefits are available to a broad spectrum of members, including:
- Active OWWA members
- Inactive or former members
- Retired OFWs
- Repatriated workers
The primary requirement for eligibility is a valid PhilHealth number, ensuring that a wide range of OFWs and their dependents can access these vital services. Administrator Caunan emphasized that the program is designed to show that OWWA’s care continues even after an OFW returns home for good.
How to Avail
1. Make sure you have a valid PhilHealth number for yourself or your dependent.
2. Visit any of the following locations on a Friday (YAKAP Day) for a free medical consultation with a YAKAP-accredited doctor:
- OWWA Head Office in Pasay City
- Gateway Mall in Quezon City
- Festival Mall in Alabang
3. Obtain a prescription from the YAKAP-accredited doctor after your consultation.
4. Present your prescription at the Alagang OWWA Botika pharmacy to claim your free medicines—up to ₱20,000 per family per year.
Free Medicines up to ₱20,000: The New OWWA Pharmacy for OFWs
The Alagang OWWA Botika, located at the OWWA Center Building on F.B. Harrison Street in Pasay City, now provides eligible OFWs and their families with free medicines valued up to ₱20,000 each year. Key details include:
- Location: OWWA Center Building, F.B. Harrison Street, Pasay City
- Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Around 75 types of medicines available, including maintenance drugs for chronic illnesses
This pharmacy underscores OWWA’s commitment to the ongoing health and well-being of OFW members and their loved ones. Under the program, each eligible OFW and their dependents can receive up to ₱20,000 worth of free medicines annually. The pharmacy stocks approximately 75 different types of medications, including crucial maintenance drugs for chronic conditions. This benefit aims to ease the financial burden of healthcare costs for many families. The pharmacy is open to serve members from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Integrated Health Services with “YAKAP Day”
Complementing the pharmacy is the “YAKAP Day” initiative, which offers free medical consultations every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These check-ups are conducted by YAKAP-accredited doctors. Prescriptions issued during these consultations can be filled directly at the Alagang OWWA Botika, creating a seamless and integrated healthcare experience for beneficiaries.
This service is not limited to the OWWA head office. OFWs and their families can also avail of free consultations at Gateway Mall in Quezon City and Festival Mall in Alabang, making access to medical advice more convenient.
If you are an OFW abroad and you are an active OWWA member, you may check out this list of OWWA programs and benefits for your reference so you know what to expect