At least 6 displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in San Carlos City received a one-time grant from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) this afternoon, March 12, at the City Mayor’s Office.

Dianne A. Acab and Leoniza A. Pando of Brgy. Rizal, Jose Erwin H. Yap of Brgy. 6, and Ronald N. Factes of Brgy. Bagonbon availed of Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program (BPBH), while Michelle B. Siamson of Brgy. Rizal and Christopher C. Deada of Brgy. 1 availed of the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP)-Illness.

The BPBH is a package of livelihood support and assistance intended to provide immediate relief to returning member OFWs. The WAP extends assistance to active and non-active OWWA members who are not eligible for any OWWA social benefit programs and services.

SP Member and City Mayor’s Office – OIC Dr. Wilmer L. Yap, City Administrator Atty. Estefanio S. Libutan Jr., City Public Employment Service Office (CPESO) Head Mariel Avenir, and OWWA Bacolod Satellite Office Focal Person/Overseas Workers Welfare Officer II Marbie Anne C. Ascaño, along with Family Welfare Officer Jonelyn S. Alicaya, turned over the checks amounting to P5,000 to P20,000.

Ascaño said the beneficiaries are OFWs who did not complete their contracts abroad; that aside from these programs, OWWA offers scholarship programs for OFW dependents.

She noted that before the check turnover, beneficiaries submitted the required documents to OWWA and underwent an assessment by CPESO.

She also said WAP beneficiaries will also avail of the BPBH.

Ascaño commended CPESO for its proactive support in assisting OFWs in availing of OWWA programs, which helped reduce travel expenses.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Jose Erwin H. Yap, who worked as a seaman for 40 years, returned home due to depression with an unfinished contract.

He said it was his second time availing of the agency’s program, having previously benefited from the WAP-Illness; thanked the OWWA for the livelihood assistance he received, which serves as an additional source of income for him as a job-order employee of the local government. He also committed to sustaining the grant provided to him.

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