After years of sacrifice abroad, many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) return home only to face another worry — the cost of healthcare. Even a simple checkup or prescription can strain a family’s savings.
That’s why the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) launched the Alagang OWWA Botika Program, a new initiative that brings health care closer to OFWs and their dependents.
It’s part of the government’s broader commitment to make sure Filipinos who serve the world are cared for when they come home.
What Is the OWWA Botika Program?
The Alagang OWWA Botika is a pharmacy and health assistance program that provides free consultations and up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines per year for qualified OFWs and their dependents.
Launched under the “Alagang OWWA: Yakap at Gamot” initiative, it is implemented with PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) and VidaCure Pharmacy.
OWWA’s vision is to ease the health expenses of OFW families and ensure continued care even after overseas employment ends — turning welfare into real, everyday support.
Key Benefits of the OWWA Botika
1. Free Medicines
Members and dependents can claim up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines per year at the OWWA Botika in Pasay City or partner outlets in Metro Manila.
These cover essential prescriptions such as maintenance drugs, antibiotics, and other common treatments under PhilHealth’s YAKAP list.
2. Free Medical Checkups
Every Friday, OFWs and their families can consult YAKAP-accredited doctors at the OWWA Head Office.
Prescriptions issued from these consultations can then be used to claim medicines at the Botika — a one-stop care process that ensures both diagnosis and treatment are free.
3. Expanded Health Services: “Lab for All”
Through the upcoming “Lab for All” mobile clinic, OFWs will soon have access to free diagnostics such as:
- X-rays
- Ultrasounds
- Blood chemistry and lab tests
This expansion aims to reach those who live far from Metro Manila and can’t easily afford private lab fees.
Where to Avail the OWWA Botika
As of 2025, the Botika operates in three Metro Manila locations:
| Branch | Location | Operating Hours |
| OWWA Head Office | Pasay City | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM |
| Gateway Mall | Quezon City | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM |
| Festival Mall | Alabang, Muntinlupa | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM |
OWWA has announced plans to expand to regional offices soon so that families in Visayas and Mindanao can also avail services without traveling to the capital.
Who Can Benefit?
- Active OFWs with valid OWWA membership
- Returning or retired OFWs after contract completion
- Dependents of OFWs, including spouses, children, or parents
The program reflects OWWA’s “Serbisyong may Puso” — compassion-driven support that recognizes both the workers and the families they sustain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is the OWWA Botika available only in Metro Manila?
The program is currently in its pilot phase, focusing on Metro Manila sites to test operations. OWWA has confirmed plans to expand to regional offices nationwide, including Visayas and Mindanao, within the next rollout. - Can former or retired OFWs still avail the program?
Yes. The Botika is open to active, returning, and retired OFWs who are verified OWWA members, as well as their registered dependents. - Will there be branches outside the Philippines?
OWWA is coordinating with Philippine Embassies and Welfare Officers abroad to explore ways for overseas-based OFWs to access medical consultations in the future. - What if I live far from Metro Manila?
Regional expansion is underway, and the “Lab for All” mobile clinics will help bring free consultations and diagnostics to provincial areas. - How can I check my eligibility or ask for assistance?
Visit the nearest OWWA office, call the OWWA Hotline 1348, or follow the OWWA Facebook page for updated instructions and schedules.
Watch: OWWA, nakatanggap ng ‘Lab for All’ medical and clinical laboratory mobile truck mula sa tanggapan ni FL Liza Marcos; Alagang OWWA Botika, aarangkada sa Sept. 29
OWWA received a fully equipped mobile medical truck from the Office of the First Lady, designed to deliver free health services to OFWs and their loved ones.
The mobile clinic, registered under PhilHealth’s Yakap Program, offers laboratory and diagnostic care without cost—making healthcare more reachable and reliable.
Mirna de Guzman, a cancer survivor and longtime OFW, joined the turnover ceremony, sharing how access to treatment can change lives when work abroad ends.
OWWA plans to expand the mobile clinic’s reach beyond Metro Manila, with online triage systems helping speed up registration and service delivery.
Alongside this, OWWA partnered with Vida Cure to launch “Alagang OWWA Botika,” offering 75 free medicines starting September 29 for active members and their families.
Final Thoughts
OWWA has committed to roll out regional Botika branches in the coming years.
The long-term vision is to make free consultations and medicines available in all OWWA offices nationwide, ensuring that no family has to spend extra just to get the help they deserve.
OWWA also plans to coordinate with Philippine Embassies and Welfare Officers abroad, addressing calls from overseas workers for on-site checkups and medicine access.
These expansions aim to transform the pilot project into a permanent welfare program — a true “Alagang OWWA” experience for Filipinos everywhere.
While still in its early stage, the program represents a step forward in recognizing that care for OFWs must go beyond deployment — it must extend to their homecoming.
Because every OFW deserves not just a livelihood abroad, but a healthy, supported life at home.