A total of 20 displaced and distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat have received financial aid from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
According to OWWA Region 12, a total of 16 OFWs were given a financial grant from the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program, while four beneficiaries were recipients of the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP).
OWWA said the beneficiaries are from North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
The financial livelihood grant under the BPBH Program is provided to OFWs to enable them and their families to start a livelihood undertaking through self-employment.
BPBH aid is one-time cash assistance amounting to P20,000.
Meanwhile, the WAP program offered financial assistance to OFWs and their dependents for various reasons, including calamity assistance, bereavement, and disability assistance.
Active or non-active OWWA members who are victims of crimes or accidents, need medical assistance or relief assistance (for displaced OFWs), are laid off due to economic and political crises, and other related conditions are entitled to receive at least P10,000 from the agency.
The cash aid to OFW recipients was handed out on October 21, said OWWA Region XII.