VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte now have easier access to the services of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) with the opening of its ninth satellite office on September 2.
The new office, located at Park NOAB (National Offices along Bypass Road) in Barangay Poblacion East, is a result of a collaboration between OWWA Region 1 and the local government of San Ildefonso.
OWWA Ilocos Regional Director Gerardo Rimorin said it aims to bring OWWA programs and services closer to the community and its neighboring areas.
He said, “The programs [and services] provided at the Central Office and Regional Offices are the same as those offered at the satellite offices. Our ninth satellite office [in Region 1] was built in San Ildefonso town because it is adjacent to most municipalities and cities in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. It is also accessible and located along the highway, making it a conducive location.”
With the opening of the new OWWA office, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families may avail of various services, including social benefits such as disability, death, and burial assistance; education and training assistance such as scholarships for OFW dependents and short-term training programs for OFWs and their dependents; the Workers Welfare Assistance Program; and a repatriation and reintegration program, among others.
Rimorin also reiterated to the OFWs, whose OWWA membership has expired, especially those who are abroad, to visit the OWWA offices to renew their membership to avail of the agency’s programs and benefits.
San Ildefonso Mayor Christian Daniel Purisima thanked the OWWA and other national government agencies such as PhilHealth, the Land Transportation Authority, and the Department of Health for establishing their offices at Park NOAB.
Despite the town not being at the province’s center, they are thankful for the opportunity to provide services to more residents.
“Lubos kaming nagagalak at narito kayo [sa aming bayan] upang magbigay serbisyo sa mga kababayan namin at sa lahat ng nais mag-avail ng tulong mula sa inyong mga ahensya. Thank you very much at asahan ninyo na madaragdagan pa ang mga opisina rito sa Park NOAB gaya ng Philippine Statistics Authority at iba pa, hindi lamang para sa mga residente ng San Ildefonso kung hindi para sa lahat na nangangailangan,” Purisima said.
[“We are truly delighted that you are here [in our town] to provide services to our fellow citizens and to everyone who wishes to avail themselves of assistance from your agencies. Thank you very much, and you can expect that more offices will be added here at Park NOAB, such as the Philippine Statistics Authority and others, not just for the residents of San Ildefonso but for everyone in need.]
The OWWA San Ildefonso satellite office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It is the fourth satellite office in Ilocos Sur, with other satellite offices located in the cities of Candon, Vigan, and Tagudin town.
The Tagudin office is open every second and fourth Wednesday, the Candon City office is open Monday to Friday, and the Vigan City office is open every Friday. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
