An unprecedented financial relief is on the horizon for approximately 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were left jobless between 2015 and 2019 due to the bankruptcy of their employers in Saudi Arabia.
The government, through the combined efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will each endow the affected OFWs with a ₱10,000 cash aid.
Signatories of the tripartite memorandum of agreement, representing a commitment to alleviate the financial plights of these displaced workers were brought to the table on Saturday in Mandaluyong City.
The collaborative approach among various agencies demonstrates the commitment of the Philippine government to extend tangible support and solidarity to the thousands of Filipino workers who found themselves in the unfortunate situation of unemployment.
Spearheaded by Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, the cash aid initiative serves as a concrete illustration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DSWD to provide financial assistance to the distressed OFWs.
Over the years, the Philippine economy has significantly benefited from the remittances sent home by the millions of OFWs. In spite of coping with the myriad challenges and sacrifices involved in working overseas, these hardworking Filipinos have continued to contribute to the nation’s economic sustenance.
However, as global economic fluctuations have led to the bankruptcy of several establishments in Saudi Arabia, the fate of OFWs employed by these companies have been left hanging in the balance.
The ₱10,000 cash aid, though seemingly a modest amount, is poised to make a substantial impact on the lives and financial stability of the affected OFWs and their families. This initiative exhibits the government’s cognizance of the crucial role played by migrant workers in the country’s development and well-being.
Moreover, the supportive stance maintained by the government extends beyond the monetary assistance being released to these OFWs. The formation of inter-agency task groups has also been established to actively seek out potential employment opportunities for the displaced workers, whether overseas or within the country, and to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce.
The partnership between the DMW, OWWA, and DSWD exemplifies the collective resolve of the Philippine government to attend to the needs of struggling OFWs in both the short and long term.
As the ₱10,000 cash aid is slated for distribution, it provides a timely and much-needed lifeline for the distressed OFWs, signifying the profound resilience and unflagging spirit of both the nation’s leaders and the workforce.
Susan Ople, an advocate of OFW rights, confirmed that receiving cash aid is a simple process, stating, “All they have to do is communicate with the DMW to get the claim number at OWWA and show proof that you are tied with the company.” Ople’s statement assures OFWs that the process is straightforward and accessible to those in need.
Additionally, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlong “Rex” Gatchalian announced that the funds will be released next week, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
“We are settling claims for workers in Saudi Arabia who have not been paid and will be able to provide assistance,” Gatchalian said. The commitment to settling these claims shows the seriousness with which the Philippine government is addressing the concerns of their OFWs in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnel” Ignacio assured OFWs that they could access their cash aid by following the instructions provided on the DMW website. This move towards online resources allows OFWs to quickly and easily access the aid they require and ensures they have the necessary guidance through the process.
In conclusion, this collaborative move by the Philippine government to provide financial relief to distressed OFWs reflects its commitment to uphold the welfare and protection of these vulnerable workers.
By striving to resolve this high-stakes issue, the government has proven that the welfare of every Filipino, whether inside or outside the country, remains a paramount concern worthy of concerted action and support.
Distressed OFWs to Receive Much-Needed Cash Aid Amid Unpaid Claims
As the unpaid claims of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to be a pressing issue, there’s good news for those in dire need- distressed OFWs are set to receive cash aid as a result of recent efforts by the Department of Monitoring and Welfare (DMW) and the Philippines Overseas and Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
This joint effort aims to ease the financial burden on OFWs who have not been paid or are facing other financial difficulties in their workplace.
This push for support to distressed OFWs comes after Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia vowed to resolve unpaid claims of OFWs during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Thailand in 2022. This commitment from the Saudi Arabian authorities further emphasizes the multinational efforts to address the concerns and wellbeing of OFWs.
With cash aid soon to be released, and a strategic plan underway, distressed Overseas Filipino Workers not only in Saudi Arabia but also in other countries can find solace in knowing that their government is committed to their wellbeing.
To conclude, this collaboration between the DMW, OWWA, and the Saudi Arabian government promises a substantial impact on the lives of distressed OFWs by providing much-needed financial assistance. This support, combined with a continued commitment to settling unpaid claims, brings hope for a better future for Filipino workers both in Saudi Arabia and across the globe.
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