DoST-PCHRD pushes research-based policies to boost OFW mental health

The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DoST-PCHRD) on Thursday held a Talakayang HeaRT Beat forum in Quezon City to highlight research-based policy tools designed to strengthen mental health support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“Research alone doesn’t automatically become policy,” Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of DoST-PCHRD, said in a virtual message. “That’s why we support not just the generation of evidence, but the crucial work of transforming it into policy tools that make a real impact.”

Through its Health Research Policy Translation, Evaluation, and Engagement (POLISEE) Grants Program, the council funds projects that translate scientific evidence into actionable policy instruments and promote engagement among government agencies, experts, and stakeholders.

Two POLISEE-supported initiatives were featured during the Talakayang Health Research and Technology (HeaRT) Beat press conference, which aims to showcase DOST-PCHRD programs and strengthen dialogue between researchers and the media—particularly on efforts to support migrant mental health.

The first project, ANDITO (Advocating National Discourse to Integrate Telepsychiatry in Policies and Programs for Overseas Filipinos), led by Dr. Maria Angelica C. Plata of the Davao Medical School Foundation Inc., developed policy recommendations to integrate telepsychiatry into government programs for OFWs. The initiative brought together seven national agencies—including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Health (DOH), and PhilHealth—to address gaps in connectivity, licensing, and financial sustainability. It produced seven policy briefs outlining coordinated strategies for technology-enabled mental health care.

Its main policy brief, “Integrating Telepsychiatry in Policies and Programs for Overseas Filipinos,” was endorsed by House Majority Leader Manuel Jose M. Dalipe after its presentation in national policy fora—marking a significant step toward legislative and institutional adoption.

Meanwhile, a nationwide study led by Dr. Veronica Ramirez of the University of Asia and the Pacific examined how mental health problems among OFWs are detected and treated. Her team conducted regional policy forums and identified the need for a psychosocial evaluation tool tailored to challenges faced by migrant workers across the pre-departure, employment, and reintegration stages. The project emphasizes culturally responsive and continuous mental health support throughout the migration cycle.

Findings were presented through regional dialogues and consultations with migrant-serving agencies, local government units, and academic partners. Discussions with the DOH and DMW are ongoing for pilot implementation of the psychosocial tool among reintegration officers and OFW Family Circles.

“These projects show how research can be transformed into tools that guide real-world policy,” Dr. Montoya said. “Through POLISEE, we’re not just funding studies, we’re investing in the process that makes health research usable, relevant, and impactful. By supporting policy development activities such as expert consultations, agency dialogues, and capacity-building, the council ensures that health research doesn’t end in publication but leads to meaningful change in how health systems serve Filipinos, at home and abroad.”