A total of 40 distressed and displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Central Mindanao received P20,000 from the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported on Sunday, Nov. 6.
OWWA Region 12 Director Marilou M. Sumalinog said the cash assistance is part of the BPBH and Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) to returning OFWs and members of OWWA who need financial support.
The BPBH program and WAP are some of the OWWA’s flagship programs and services that aim to provide immediate relief to the returning distressed or displaced OFWs who experienced abuse, unfair labor practices, and unpleasant circumstances working abroad.
Sumalinog urged the beneficiaries to become responsible for managing their financial grant.She also appealed to the beneficiaries to use their financial aid to start a business for their livelihood and income generation.
“We believe that regardless of the amount, the financial assistance given is of big help to the program beneficiaries and that we will ensure their successful reintegration into the mainstream of Philippine society,” she said.