Owwa 11 releases P7M for livelihood of OFWs

AS of May this year, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) Davao Region had already released more than P7 million for the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program assisting distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who went back home to the Philippines.

During the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference held yesterday, June 4, the new regional director Petrona M. Bergado said they have already launched a total of 379 livelihood assistance in the form of micro and small businesses for the repatriates. Each of the beneficiaries are to be allotted a P20,000 worth of livelihood enterprise. Bergado cited as examples the banana cue, sari-sari store, hog raising, and other agricultural livelihood assistance that they have already given to the 379 applicants.

She also clarified that this total number of assisted former OFWs is not only limited to the repatriates from Kuwait. This already includes the distressed workers from other countries whether male or female, regardless of their work abroad.

"Distressed workers include those who for some reasons have not finished their contract and are coming back home. They would need incomegenerating programs," said Bergado.

She also clarified that Owwa gives assistance to documented OFWs and those who are registered and are members of the Owwa. Undocumented OFWs will be given assistance by a separatw government office, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO).

Currently, for the second half of the year, there are another 600 distressed OFWs applying for a financial and livelihood assistance. Bergado said they have already released P12 million to cater to these applications.