The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are set to release P10,000 in financial aid to each distressed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia waiting for their back wages from bankrupt construction firms.
A memorandum agreement was signed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and DMW Secretary and Chairperson of OWWA Board of Trustees Susan Ople on Saturday, March 11.
"Bahagi ng development ay ang pag-aruga, pagkalinga sa mga migrant worker natin lalong lalo na ang mga pamilya nila dito sa Pilipinas na naiwan. Bahagi iyan ng mandato ng Ahensya at sisiguruhunin naming makikipagtulungan kami sa DMW para ma-fulfill namin ang mandato na iyan… katabi nila kami sa pag-aruga sa mga migrant worker natin," DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the DMW to extend its program to OFW families while they coordinate with the Saudi government.
"He also mentioned helping the claimants while talks are underway with the Saudi government regarding the workers’ unpaid back wages. We are grateful to have the DSWD as our partner on both fronts," DMW Secretary Ople added.
The DSWD will provide a P50 million fund from its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program to DMW-OWWA to implement the project.
The financial assistance will be distributed by the latter through an electronic or digital portal where OFWs are required to register and have a reference number to be presented in claiming the cash aid.
