There is an increasing recognition that migrants and mobile populations are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS than populations that do not move. Given the fact that millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) compose the greater bulk of Filipino migrant workers, the government recognizes an urgent need to systematically implement an HIV/AIDS prevention and control program.

In coordination with other concerned authorities in both the national and international levels, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has thus adopted a preventive strategy by integrating an HIV/AIDS Education component in its mandatory Pre Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and other information/education programs for OFWs.

All accredited PDOS providers are therefore directed to integrate the HIV/AIDS module for OFWs in their PDOS. All accredited trainors who have not attended training on the new module shall coordinate with the Workers Education Division, Welfare and Employment Office for scheduling.

This Memorandum Circular takes effect immediately.

For compliance.

Adopted: 09 Jan. 2002