The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) along with the City Government of Digos assisted in distributing the financial assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers and dependents who were affected by the series of seismic activities last October 2019. Regional Welfare Office XI released a huge amount of PHP 1.2M at the City Hall Compound.
Also Read: How to Become an OWWA Member?
Disasters and natural calamities are something we can’t control. All we can do is be a plan and be prepared for the crisis situation. While there may be casualties and some are affected by the catastrophe, the Philippines ‘ government and its administration are always there to support those in need.
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in coordination with the City Government of Digs helped OWWA Regional XI dispensed a total of PHP 1,203,000 to OFWs and dependents that were affected by the earthquake that happened last October 17, 29, and 31 in the province of Davao del Sur. Gina Mae Quimora (OWWA Region XI) dispersed the calamity financial assistance which is PHP 3,000 each last February 2020 at Digos City City Hall Compound.
The financial assistance by OWWA is part of the Welfare Assistance Program (WAP) which provides monetary benefit to the active members and their dependents that are affected by human-induced or natural calamities/disasters.
Applications for the calamity cash assistance reached a total of 1,090 for the period November 28, 2019 to January 30, 2020. With proper processing, evaluation and verification there were only 493 active OWWA members while 597 are inactive members. Based on Memorandum of Instructions No. 004 series of 2019, the eligible beneficiary of the program is active OFW-members or his/her qualified beneficiary.
The Applicants must submit the accomplished form, page 2 and 3 of the OFW’s passport, Barangay Certification indicating that the applicant is a resident of the said barangay and their household was affected by the calamity. Poof of relationship (PSA-issued birth and marriage certificates). An authorization letter signed by the OFW if working abroad, valid government-issued ID, and 1 piece 2×2 picture of the claimant.
Ron Lionel Bartolome (OWWA Regional Director) expressed his sincere thanks to Josef Cagas (Digos City Mayor) for assisting and offering the necessary facilities during this program. He also extended his gratitude to Shanny Lou Solatorio (PESO Manager) and PESO staff for assisting the whole OWWA calamity during the 2-day release operation.
