ILOILO – Ilonggo repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) unable to work due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will each receive P10,000 from the provincial government.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed a measure on third and final reading providing financial assistance to repatriated OFWs.
SP member Jason Gonzales, author of the ordinance said, “Ang aton tuyo buligan ang economic shock sa ila pamilya.”
Around 18,000 Ilonggo OFWs have been repatriated since the COVID-19 outbreak in March, according to Gonzales.
“Ini (cash aid) gamay lang nga bulig pero ang tuyo naton nga ma-alleviate ang pangabudlay sang OFWs,” Gonzales told Panay News.
Under the ordinance, active members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration who experienced job displacement due to political unrest, civil war, natural calamities, maltreatment by foreign employer, illness, and accident are eligible to claim the assistance.
Gonzales, however, clarified, “Kon voluntary ikaw nga wala nagbalik sa obra, indi ka covered.”
OFWs must coordinate with the Public Employment Service Office.
They are required to submit an application form and necessary documents like flight ticket or boarding pass, proof of overseas employment, proof of loss of employment, sworn affidavit, repatriation documents and barangay residency certificate.
The provincial government allotted P21 million for the ordinance. It will take effect once its Implementing Rules and Regulation are crafted and published in a newspaper of general circulation.
The distribution of the cash assistance is expected to begin in January 2021.
“Continuous ang programa bangod nga kada tuig ma-allocate sang pundo ang provincial government para sa ordinance,” said Gonzales./PN
