MWO-WDC HOSTS BACK-TO-BACK LEARNING SESSIONS FOR NURSES AND MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-19-2025

3 April 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. conducted a virtual Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for newly-arrived Filipino Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) on March 15, 2025, as well as a Special Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (SPDOS) for nurses bound for the United States on March 18, 2025. These seminars were part of the continuing workers education program implemented by the MWO for onsite and US-bound Filipino migrant workers. 

Both PAOS and SPDOS participants were provided with important information on U.S. and Philippine recruitment regulations, employee rights and obligations, government welfare programs for migrant workers, and financial management. They were also given useful tips on effective integration into the U.S. society and work systems. 

The PAOS, which was attended by 98 MLS currently deployed across various U.S. states, was conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) USA. Resource speakers Jim Sedayao, Dollie Jacosalem, and Elma Kamari Bidkorpeh from PAMET-USA shared valuable insights about working as an MLS in the U.S. and offered guidance on seamless integration into American society.

Meanwhile, the SPDOS was attended by 179 nurses awaiting deployment in the Philippines. Experts from the Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. (PNAA) that include Gloria Briones, Virginia Alinsao, Madelyn Yu, Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, and Marife Sevilla, discussed expectations on working in the U.S. healthcare system, integration into U.S. society, and available support systems for nurses.

Both seminars also featured presentations from the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA) with Bryan Ramos and Jeri Gonzales Abrams discussing labor rights, contractual obligations, and legal resources beneficial to MLS and nurses.

Additionally, Labor Attaché Saul De Vries and Welfare Officer Mae Codilla highlighted the services and programs offered by the MWO and OWWA, emphasizing the office’s openness to assist workers facing employment-related issues or requiring further assistance. ###