Philippine Consulate in Honolulu, PMAH Eye Health Partnership to Support Filipino Community

Consul General Arman Talbo (left) meets with Dr. Rhea Bautista, Executive Director of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (center), to explore potential areas of collaboration between the Consulate and PMAH. Also in attendance was Consul Grace Bulos (right).

The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu and the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) are working towards a potential partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare access and wellness services for the Filipino American community in Hawaii.

On April 16, Consul General Arman R. Talbo met with Dr. Rhea Bautista, Executive Director of PMAH, at the Consulate to discuss collaborative programs that could support the health needs of Filipino migrants and families in the Aloha State.

The meeting focused on initiatives that would address both public outreach and internal preparedness for the Consulate staff.

Among the initial proposals was the organization of information sessions designed to help newly arrived Filipino migrants navigate the healthcare system in Hawaii. These sessions aim to provide practical guidance on how to access medical services and understand available healthcare options. Such efforts are expected to be particularly beneficial for immigrants who may be unfamiliar with the U.S. healthcare landscape.

The collaboration also envisions a series of training sessions for the Consulate’s personnel. These include briefings on essential medical topics such as first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which would enhance the staff’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and provide basic assistance in urgent situations.

The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii has been a longstanding advocate for healthcare equity and community service. Since its founding in 1978, PMAH has become a trusted organization that delivers medical outreach to underserved populations in Hawaii.

Through its affiliated programs—the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls (BCWW), Ohana Medical Mission (OMM), and the PMAH Foundation—the Association has consistently provided free and accessible healthcare services to thousands of uninsured individuals, including both Filipino and non-Filipino immigrants.

The Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls operates with the support of volunteer healthcare professionals who offer free medical consultations and treatment. Ohana Medical Mission, on the other hand, conducts annual medical missions to the Philippines, where doctors and nurses offer vital services to remote and under-resourced communities. In addition to these efforts, the PMAH Foundation contributes to the development of future medical professionals by awarding scholarships and offering mentorship programs to pre-medical and medical students.

Through its cultural engagement and community outreach programs, PMAH also plays an important role in promoting Philippine heritage and identity in Hawaii. Its holistic approach to health and service reflects a deep commitment to both community wellness and cultural pride.

As the Philippine Consulate General and PMAH continue to explore avenues for cooperation, the initiative signals a shared dedication to building a healthier, more informed, and empowered Filipino American community in Hawaii.

Plans are underway to develop concrete activities and schedules for implementation in the coming months.

The collaboration marks an important step forward in bridging institutional support with grassroots healthcare efforts, setting the stage for sustainable, community-based health services tailored to the needs of Filipino families across the state.