BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Former migrant workers in Cordillera are thankful for the government’s continued support after their return from working overseas.
Amelia Rimorin and Matilda C. Leo, both livelihood program beneficiaries of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-CAR expressed their gratitude to the DMW during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on September 3,2024.
Rimorin, who worked in Malaysia for 20 years and a recipient of the financial assistance livelihood program, used the money to make bags which she sells.
“Nagpapasalamat ako ng labis labis po sa tulong po ninyo (Department of Migrant Workers) at sa patuloy niyong pagsuporta sa po akin. Kasi napakalaking tulong po sa akin ito lalo na sa pangpinansyal po dahil kahit papano hindi na ako umaasa sa mga anak ko dahil nakakapaggawa na po ako ng bag at nakakabenta, at least nagkakaroon na ako ng sariling pera po,” she said.
[I am very thankful for your help and your continued support. This is a big help in my finance so that I do not depend on my children. I can make bags for sale , and I have my own money.]
In spite having three children who all professionals and working , Rimorin shared that her small business enables her earn her own money to augment expenses for her medical maintenance and food.
Leo, on the other hand, went abroad when she was 32 years old and worked there for many years. When she returned to the country, she availed of the Livelihood Action Fund which she used in making and retailing peanut butter and strawberry preserves.
“Dito po nanggagaling ang livelihood naming. After nag for- good po ako dito, dito lang talaga kumukuha ng daily livelihood po namin. Actually, nakapagpagraduate po ako recently ng isang college. Napakalaki pong pagpapasalamat namin sa Department of Migrant Workers CAR. Naiyak po talaga ako sa pasasalamat,” Leo, who is now 62 years old, expressed.
[This is where our livelihood comes from. After I came home for good, this has become our source of livelihood. Actually, I was able to support my child who graduated college recently. A big thanks to the DMW-CAR. I am really grateful.]
Overseas Employment Adjudicator Jeffrey Exiomo explained that the DMW, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), offers these various livelihood programs designed to assist OFWs. He emphasized that these programs are tailored to support the reintegration of OFWs, ensuring that they have sustainable sources of income as they return to their families and communities.
“Ang ultimate goal natin para sa kanila ay ‘yung makauwi sila dito sa Pilipinas, makapamuhunan at matulungan natin na makapagpatayo ng kanilang ikabubuhay, na hindi na nila kailangang isakripisyo pa ‘yung oras nila, ‘yung mga taon nila na hindi nakikita na kasama ang pamilya nila,” Exiomo said.
[Our ultimate goal is for them(OFWs) to get back home to the Philippines and to help them start livelihood ventures so that they do not have to sacrifice their time, and being away from their families.] (CVBT, PIA-CAR)
