Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II underscored the urgent need for ethical recruitment and stronger protection for Filipino healthcare professionals during the “Healthcare Education and Migration Forum” held Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Ang reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and rights of migrant workers, calling for more responsive, people-centered protection systems and enhanced international cooperation. He stressed that while global mobility continues to expand opportunities, recruitment practices must remain transparent and sustainable to prevent worker exploitation and protect the country’s healthcare system.

The forum highlighted ongoing migration trends, with the Philippines remaining a leading source of nurses worldwide. Industry data show that around 15,000 to 20,000 healthcare professionals leave the country each year for better-paying opportunities abroad, contributing to staffing gaps in local hospitals.

Ang emphasized the role of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) in addressing these challenges. The agency implements programs that support overseas Filipinos while helping prevent illegal recruitment and human trafficking through initiatives such as mandatory pre-departure orientation seminars and monitoring mechanisms.

He also called for aligning healthcare education with global standards while ensuring that Filipino professionals remain connected to national development.

The forum, organized by Unilab Education Inc. and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, gathered key stakeholders in recruitment and nursing. Among the panelists were Marianne Grace Nagera and Zenaida Concepcion-Gagno, who discussed efforts to digitalize government processes to streamline deployment and provide better support for Filipino nurses throughout their migration journey.