PRESS RELEASE
WDC-16-2026
29 March 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. conducted its first Special Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (SPDOS) for United States-bound Filipino nurses for the year last March 17 via Zoom. The activity formed part of the MWO’s 2026 workers education program aimed to equip Filipino migrant workers with the knowledge necessary for a smooth transition and successful integration into the U.S. workforce. It focused on enhancing participants’ readiness for the professional, cultural and legal realities they are expected to encounter upon arrival at their respective U.S. destinations.
A total of 418 nurses with completed and signed U.S. employment contracts participated in the virtual seminar, which was conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) and the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA).
Labor Attaché Saul De Vries delivered a presentation highlighting the mandate of the MWO, particularly its role in the deployment of Filipino nurses to the United States through verification and accreditation of employers.
Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, Ms. Marife Sevilla, Ms. Virginia Alinsao, and Ms. Melissa Cunanan of PNAA shared insights on work expectations within the U.S. healthcare system, strategies for social and professional integration, and available professional support networks for Filipino nurses.
Meanwhile, Judge Bryan Ramos and Atty. Jeri Gonzales Abrams of NFALA discussed important legal matters, including labor rights, contractual obligations, and the legal remedies and resources available to healthcare professionals working abroad.
The MWO announced that another SPDOS for nurses is scheduled on 15 September 2026. Additional learning sessions for medical laboratory scientists and teachers are likewise planned throughout the year. For more details on these programs, interested parties may visit the MWO Facebook page or contact the office via email at mwo_washingtondc@dmw.gov.ph.
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Speakers from the PNAA and NFALA provided a comprehensive overview of the American landscape, equipping participants with a clear understanding of what to expect upon their arrival in the U.S.