Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have inched closer to their dream of building a hospital for themselves and their families soon.

This develops as the Clark Development Authority (CDA) in Pampanga province has given a five-hectare land for the OFW Hospital envisioned by the Global OFW Foundation, based in the UAE.

The land, with a market value of at least P100 million (Dh7.14 million), is located inside the former Asia-Pacific headquarters of the U.S. Air Force, which was converted into an international airport, with duty-free shops, an economic freezone, hotel and recreation facilities some 90 km north of Manila.

"The land has been guaranteed with a deed of donation, through work of people and a party-list congressman who seek to be out of the limelight," said Romy Gulapa, one of the prime movers. Global OFW Foundation was formed by workers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"We will network within the UAE and the Gulf. This is a project for OFWs around the globe. We don't want to mention the name of the people working to get this land for us, because we don't want this to be politicised," said Gulapa.

"We're going full blast with this project. We have laid down a 12-point plan to raise funds for the construction of the hospital once the registration formalities are done," said Tony Mamaril, one of the original 12 core group members of the foundation.

Other prime movers are Rod Caparas, Emily Inocala, Danny Mendoza, Mar Torres, Dado Caluya, Arnel Quillope, Oyet Cea, Dolores L. Cea, Many Choco, Mervin Levita.

The founders plan an OFW hospital funded by international donors, OFWs, philanthropists and the concerned members of the global community. Design for a 250-bed facility has been completed while the foundation members are working on its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The group has already raised the initial capital needed for the registration under the name Global OFW Foundation.

"Many physically ill OFWs would rather get their medication overseas than go home because the medical expenses there would make them want to die sooner," said Inocalla.

Gulapa said they would welcome any kind of donation. "If someone will donate land in Manila or its suburbs for this purpose, we would welcome that too," he said.

The fund-raising plan includes a donation of $1,000 each from core group members and creation of a network of OFW around the world who will solicit funds.

The group also plans to tap the Overseas Workers Welfare Admi-nistration (OWWA), which sits on P3 billion contributed by OFWs.

The foundation also plans to get seed money from doctors or specialists who seek to put up clinics in the hospital. They also plan to source funds from international philanthropists, funding agencies, charities to run the planned 250-bed medical facility.

"Seamen's Hospital, which caters to Filipino sailors, have their own hospital in Intramuros Manila. If they have it, why can't we land-based OFWs?" said Tony Mamaril, one of the core-group members.

"We don't want to kill sick OFWs prematurely with huge hospital bills. Our aim is to put up a medical facility that will offer the best services to OFWs for free or minimal fees. We will find the annual budget for it from donors," said Gulapa.

"This is an idea that has caught fire. Its time has come. We just need to give flesh to it," said Gulapa.

Global OFW Foundation plans to give out donation forms once the registration papers are accomplished at the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission. Eventually, the group envisions putting up one hospital each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.