Thousands of stranded, displaced OFWs get help from OWWA
Published Apr 13, 2020 12:00 am
By Leslie Aquino
Almost 9,000 overseas Filipino workers have so far been assisted by the government since the imposition of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
The Task Force COVID-19 report of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) revealed that of the total 8,748 stranded OFWs who have been assisted by the agency, 3,106 were provided free transportation, 2,616 with temporary shelter assistance while 2,462 seafarers were provided with food packs.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Aside from those mentioned, a total of 564 were also provided with food, accommodation, and transportation assistance.
Meanwhile, OWWA has started accepting applications for the Department of Labor and Employment's Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong program for OFWs online.
"As we observe stringent social distancing measures, all submissions of applications for 'DOLE-AKAP FOR OFWs' are to be done through online," OWWA said in an advisory.
The Labor department earlier said overseas workers, both landbased and seabased, who have been displaced by a lockdown in a foreign country, will be given a one-time financial assistance amounting to P10,000 or USD200, or the equivalent amount in their host countries, under the AKAP program.
OWWA said repatriated or returning OFWs should simply type on their browser http://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph and provide all the required Information.
They should then upload the requirements, such as a copy of their passport or travel document, a copy of their flight ticket or boarding pass as evidence of their return to the Philippines or arrival stamp sticker attached in the passport, valid proof of overseas employment, and proof of loss of employment on account of COVID 19 or proof that the host country is included in the list of those heavily affected by it.
As for qualified undocumented worker, OWWA said the person must submit proof that he/she and the employer have undertaken the necessary documentation to regularize her stay in the host country such as copies of employment contract, pay slip, work visa, or other proof of employment.
Upon uploading the necessary requirements, applicants need to click the submit button where a confirmation prompt will appear. A system generated confirmation receipt will be sent to the person's email.
The concerned OWWA Regional Office through its OWWA officers will then conduct validation or evaluation of received applications with complete documentary requirements, and approve or deny application.
During the validation or verification of documents submitted, OWWA said their officers may call the applicants through the provided contact details or Facebook account.
"Please cooperate and be ready to show the actual documents, if so required," said OWWA.
Once approved, the agency said the documents will then be submitted to the concemed DOLE Regional Office for funding through money transfer or PESO Net, within five working days upon approval.
For OFWs who are still on-site, OWWA said they should get in touch with the nearest Philippine Labor Office (POLO) to avail of the program.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Aside from those mentioned, a total of 564 were also provided with food, accommodation, and transportation assistance.
Meanwhile, OWWA has started accepting applications for the Department of Labor and Employment's Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong program for OFWs online.
"As we observe stringent social distancing measures, all submissions of applications for 'DOLE-AKAP FOR OFWs' are to be done through online," OWWA said in an advisory.
The Labor department earlier said overseas workers, both landbased and seabased, who have been displaced by a lockdown in a foreign country, will be given a one-time financial assistance amounting to P10,000 or USD200, or the equivalent amount in their host countries, under the AKAP program.
OWWA said repatriated or returning OFWs should simply type on their browser http://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph and provide all the required Information.
They should then upload the requirements, such as a copy of their passport or travel document, a copy of their flight ticket or boarding pass as evidence of their return to the Philippines or arrival stamp sticker attached in the passport, valid proof of overseas employment, and proof of loss of employment on account of COVID 19 or proof that the host country is included in the list of those heavily affected by it.
As for qualified undocumented worker, OWWA said the person must submit proof that he/she and the employer have undertaken the necessary documentation to regularize her stay in the host country such as copies of employment contract, pay slip, work visa, or other proof of employment.
Upon uploading the necessary requirements, applicants need to click the submit button where a confirmation prompt will appear. A system generated confirmation receipt will be sent to the person's email.
The concerned OWWA Regional Office through its OWWA officers will then conduct validation or evaluation of received applications with complete documentary requirements, and approve or deny application.
During the validation or verification of documents submitted, OWWA said their officers may call the applicants through the provided contact details or Facebook account.
"Please cooperate and be ready to show the actual documents, if so required," said OWWA.
Once approved, the agency said the documents will then be submitted to the concemed DOLE Regional Office for funding through money transfer or PESO Net, within five working days upon approval.
For OFWs who are still on-site, OWWA said they should get in touch with the nearest Philippine Labor Office (POLO) to avail of the program.