Over 44,000 migrant workers get aid from Owwa

MORE than 44,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have already received multiple forms of assistance from the government through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa).

In all, the government agency said 239,720 services have been rendered to OFWs as of June 28, 2020.

The agency said in a statement that:

• 44,243 OFWs benefited from the free transportation from Metro Manila to the provinces;
• 33,050 were provided free transportation from airport/port to hotel accommodation and vice-versa;
• 34,235 OFWs received free food and accommodation;
• 7,123 seafarers received free food packs;
• 19,467 in the regions were provided with food, accommodation, and transportation; and
• 3,639 got welfare assistance, such as psychosocial counseling, mental and physical health aid, among others.

Among migrant workers who are still in other countries, Owwa said 74,260 OFWs received food packs while 732 got cash assistance after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid–19).

A total of 20,401 OFWs were provided personal hygiene products while 2,570 got vitamin supplements and medical items.

Earlier, Owwa Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac told lawmakers that the agency has already spent more than P800 million for the repatriation, accommodation, and cash assistance to OFWs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cacdac said the huge expenses incurred in assisting OFWs may even force Owwa to dip its hands into its P18.79-billion trust fund. (HDT/VoxPop Philippines)