Repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive their cash assistance under the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program of the Department of Labor and Employment as soon as they arrive in the country.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the move is part of DOLE's efforts to streamline the process of providing assistance to workers affected by the pandemic.
"Once we repatriate them, that means they were displaced because of COVID-19. It's the reason they went home. Therefore, once they arrive here, the financial assistance should be readily provided," he said in an online forum Wednesday.
"If the OFW is already here they should already receive the financial assistance. They deserve that. That is due them so that should be given to them without any delays," added Bello.
He said he also discussed the matter with senior labor officials.
"I said we should be ready to give the financial assistance when they arrive here. Let us not wait anymore for them to apply because that will take long. Anyway, we have the record and we know that they are OFWs and they lost their jobs," Bello said.
OFWs are usually required to apply for assistance and if approved the assistance is remitted to the remittance center.
"If they can submit the requirements, okay but it should not prevent us from giving or extending assistance to them," said Bello.
According to Bello, as of November 3, the government already provided P3.5 billion cash assistance to almost 350,000 OFWs.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration also repatriated 285,000 OFWs.
AKAP is a program that provides a one-time P10,000 or $200 cash aid to qualified OFWs affected by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Bello also answered the report that came out saying OWWA has an unpaid debt to some hotels being used as temporary quarantine facility for returning OFWs.
"It is only delayed because they have to be very sure that the billing are well supported so as not to over pay," he said.
"Anyway, I discussed that with OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and he said all payables of OWWA will be settled in a week's time," added Bello.