VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) — The Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has offered alternative livelihood opportunities to five workers from this island province who have returned from the Middle East and Taiwan.
Since the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) no longer plan to seek employment abroad, OWWA has provided each worker with P20,000 to help them start or expand their livelihood, according to Keen Tajaal, the OWWA family welfare officer for Catanduanes.
The OFWs, all women, requested help from Provincial Employment Service Officer Gerry Rubio, who referred them to OWWA.
“So, we have come to their aid,” Tajaal said.
Four of the OFWs, who requested to remain anonymous, returned to the Philippines after being victims of abuse in foreign countries, according to Rubio.
The fifth OFW passed away due to a lingering illness, and her family received the cash assistance from OWWA, he added.
Tajaal said that the P20,000 was granted under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program.
“The government has such a program to assist people like them, who lost their jobs abroad, so they can continue providing for their families,” she said. (PIA Bicol/Catanduanes)
