Carlito Rio Sr. (seated), receiving his P10,000 financial assistance on April 22, 2025 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 7. (Photo from OWWA7)
CEBU CITY (PIA) – A 56-year-old aircraft technician and overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Singapore, Carlito Rio Sr., expressed profound gratitude to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for its crucial assistance in his return home after suffering a stroke.
“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa ilang tabang kanako ug ako untang hangyo nga daghan pa sila’g matabangan nga Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).” (I am very thankful for the help they gave me, and I hope they can help more OFWs,) Rio said, highlighting the essential role OWWA played in his repatriation.
In February, Rio experienced a mild stroke and was hospitalized in Singapore. With half of his body paralyzed, a friend coordinated with OWWA Singapore to facilitate his medical repatriation so he could return to the Philippines safely.
Upon his arrival on March 10, Rio received immediate airport and transport assistance, along with 20,000 pesos in medical aid.
“Ang katong P20,000 ako to gigamit sa rental sa balay, consumption, unya nagpatherapy pud ko,” Rio explained. (I used the 20,000 pesos to pay our house rent, daily expenses, and also for therapy.)
In addition to the medical support, Rio also received 10,000 pesos in financial assistance. He commended OWWA’s swift response and efficient processing of his case.
“Kaning sa OWWA, dali ra jud ang process basta magtuman lang ka sa ilang direktiba, dali ra jud,” he added. (With OWWA, the process is really easy as long as you follow their instructions. It’s efficient.)
OWWA’s Medical Assistance for OFWs Program, launched in 2017, aims to ease the financial burden of OFWs hospitalized due to serious illnesses or injuries.
From January to March 2025, OWWA-7 has already disbursed 3,909,120 pesos in medical assistance to 355 OFW beneficiaries in Central Visayas.
Jane Lorrain B. Lao, a nurse with OWWA Central Visayas Welfare Assistance and Social Benefits Unit, noted a significant increase in program applications, attributing it to greater awareness through social media.
“Our applications for medical assistance have doubled or tripled because now, through social media, at least families and our OFWs are aware of the services they can avail as OWWA members,” Lao said.
She clarified that the medical assistance is a one-time grant of up to 20,000 pesos, depending on the severity and nature of the illness or injury.
Aside from medical aid, OWWA also provides 10,000 pesos in financial assistance to displaced or distressed OFWs. The agency further offers livelihood programs for those unable to return to overseas employment.
OWWA overseas workers welfare officer II Christina Marie I. Vistal stated that the financial assistance program began in October 2022 and is available within 30 days of the OFW’s arrival in the Philippines.
“Target natin na mabigyan yung mga distressed OFWs — especially those na may malubhang kapansanan o mga sakit, may pending money claims, complaints against employers, biktima ng pang-aabuso, displaced due to wars or economic crisis, and other meritorious cases,” Vistal explained, emphasizing OWWA’s commitment to supporting vulnerable OFWs. (Our target is to assist distressed OFWs — especially those with serious disabilities or illnesses, those with pending money claims, complaints against employers, victims of abuse, those displaced due to wars or economic crises, and other meritorious cases.)
In Rio’s situation, once he recovers fully, he may be eligible for livelihood assistance under the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program, given his age and health condition might prevent future overseas work. This program offers a one-time 20,000 pesos cash assistance to help displaced OFWs start a micro-business or livelihood project.
Vistal affirmed that OWWA continues to monitor distressed and displaced OFWs, particularly those with medical conditions, to ensure they receive ongoing support, including calamity, relief, and bereavement assistance, in addition to medical aid. (MYP/PIA7)
