The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration appealed for cooperation and understanding from overseas Filipino workers who are affected by the travel ban due to the threats of the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19).
OWWA Deputy Administrator Esther Margaux Uson made the appeal during a dialogue last week, with around 60 OFWs from China who are stranded in the Philippines because of the travel ban.
Uson assured that the government is exhausting all means to address the plight of the affected OFWs.
As immediate assistance to the stranded OFWs, the OWWA and the Department of Labor and Employment provided P10,000 cash assistance.
This is apart from the financial assistance to 431 OFWs affected by the travel ban to China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan released earlier by the OWWA.
The meeting with the OFWs is part of the reach out program of OWWA for its Cordillera OFW members and beneficiaries.
Uson, OWWA Regional Director Manuela Peña, and DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman also awarded benefits to its members and beneficiaries.
Educational assistances were awarded to five beneficiaries of the Tuloy Aral Project and to four scholars under the Skills for Employment Scholarship Program (SESP).
Tuloy Aral Program is an educational grant for dependents of OFWs who experienced difficult circumstances to ensure that their schooling in public elementary and high schools will continue.
The SESP on the other hand, is an assistance for short courses in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Six beneficiaries of the Welfare Assistance Program received cash relief assistance while 11 Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program beneficiaries also received livelihood financial assistance. – Carlito C. Dar
May 11, 2024
