PRESS RELEASE
WDC-30-2026
06 May 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In observance of Labor Day, the Philippine Embassy organized a special screening of the documentary Faith Healers (2025), which brought together community leaders and professionals from the healthcare and academic sectors to reflect on the enduring contributions of Filipino physicians in the United States.
The film highlighted the remarkable story of Filipino doctors who migrated to the United States in the 1960s, answering an urgent call to help address critical shortages in the American healthcare system. Through personal accounts and historical context, Faith Healers presented a compelling narrative of their professional achievements, the sacrifices they made in leaving their homeland, and the complexities of forging identity and belonging in a new country.
The event drew Embassy personnel, Filipino American community leaders from across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region, as well as selected guests from the healthcare and academic communities. The screening aimed to foster dialogue on migration, labor, and the vital role of immigrant professionals in shaping essential industries.
“Labor Day provided a meaningful opportunity to honor the dignity of work, the value of service, and the enduring contributions of Filipino professionals in the United States,” said Deputy Chief of Mission Felipe F. Cariño III. “This film is a reminder that labor is not only about what we do, but also about who we become in the process—and how our work can bridge nations, cultures, and generations.”
Following the screening, guests had the opportunity to engage in a brief discussion with film’s Director, Ms. Regina Aquino and the star of the film Dra. Zorayda Lee-Llacer.
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