A total of 24 distressed overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Metro Manila have received P10,000 each as part of the livelihood assistance programs of the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The OWWA National Capital Region (OWWA-NCR) said Wednesday, Sept. 21, that the livelihood grants were distributed by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) through the "Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay" Program (BPBH) and Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP).
"Twenty-three recipients benefited from the BPBH program while one beneficiary of LDAP receives the same amount of P10,000," the NRCO said.
One of the beneficiaries is former OFW Aileen Cabagting who underwent surgery abroad before being repatriated to the Philippines.
Cabigting was granted livelihood assistance from the OWWA-NRCO for her livelihood and to help her recuperate from an illness.
“Akoy nagpapasalamat sa OWWA na nabigyan ako ng aking hinihiling na financial assistance sa madaling panahon sa tulong ng mga staff ng OWWA at meron akong pangdagdag sa aking maliit na negosyong salon (I am thankful to OWWA for the financial assistance they gave me which I can use to sustain my salon business),” she narrated.
Another distressed OFW, Ryan E. Bagdal was given financial aid through LDAP.
“Maraming salamat po sa OWWA NCR sa binigay niyo pong assistance. Malaking tulong po ito sa akin. Ilalaan ko po ito para sa aking hanap buhay na kukutok . God bless you all (Thank you very much to OWWA NCR for the assistance. This is a great help for the funding of my grill business. God bless you all),” said Bagdal.
The BPBH is a training and employment project of the OWWA-NRCO intended to expand employment and economic opportunities for OFWs through livelihood and skills training and the distribution of starter kits. Meanwhile, the LDAP is a livelihood assistance program that entitles OFWs to avail of business enterprise start-up kits worth P10,000.
Beneficiaries must complete a small business management training and financial awareness seminar from the NRCO to avail of the financial grant.