Overseas Filipino workers found positive of COVID-19 in areas with Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) have received an additional cash assistance from the government.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Visperas said these OFWs have been provided $200 each.
"We have provided cash aid amounting to a total of US$620,000 to some 3,100 OFWs infected of COVID-19," she said in an online forum Monday.
"This is on top of the $200 being given under the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program," added Visperas.
AKAP is a one-time emergency cash aid of $200 or P10,000 to help OFWs displaced by the pandemic.
Visperas said the POLOs also provide food and medical assistance to OFWs affected by the pandemic.
"We deliver rice and other supplies to them," she said.
"So far, we already gave out food and medical assistance to 118,149 affected OFWs," added Visperas.
According to the labor official, at present there are 9,402 OFWs infected with COVID-19.
Of that number, she said, 4,938 already recovered and 864 died.