ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — Financial assistance worth P100,000 each were given to family members of two overseas Filipino workers who perished from a fire in Kuwait last December 2.
The cash was handed over by representatives of the Department of Migrant Workers last Dec. 12.
The two OFWs – Kien Barros and Janeth Vasquez, both from Pilar town – died due to suffocation earlier this December.
“This gesture underscores the DMW’s unwavering commitment to providing support and assistance to OFWs and their loved ones during difficult times,” said the DMW Region 6 social media post.
It added that the visit and support reaffirms the agency’s role as a home for OFWs which ensure that their sacrifices are honored and their families are cared for in times of need.
Pilar town Public Information Officer Cris Anthony Alba said that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is also giving financial assistance aside from the livelihood and educational aids for the OFWs’ family members.
The DMW and OWWA regional officials are closely coordinating with the families following the death of the OFWs.
In a media interview, Pilar mayor Arnold Perez said that the local government unit is also securing the needed documents for the LGU’s help to the families.
“As a Pilareño, it is appropriate to extend assistance to family members of the OFW victims. The local government unit will help and coordinate with concerned agencies to determine what really happened to the victims,” said Perez in Hiligaynon.
The LGU has facilitated the transport of the bodies of the victims upon arrival at the Roxas City Airport to local funeral service providers to prepare the wake and vigil for its departed constituents.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 6 Officer-In-Charge James Mendiola said some LGU officials and journalists joined the grieving family members in waiting for the arrival of the remains at the airport. (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz)
