To assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) which are affected from the crisis in the Middle East, the secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Rosalinda Dimapiliz-Baldoz ordered the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) to immediately extend help to qualified OFWs.

In response to DOLE’s order, the OWWA Administrator, Carmelita Dimzon said that the Philippine government is offering Php10, 000 cash assistance to the repatriated OFWs from Libya.

Secretary Baldoz said, “The financial relief assistance of Php10,000 is a one-time grant to each qualified displaced OFW to help them undergo adjustments in their communities.  The grant is part of the government’s repatriation assistance program for OFWs which aims to cushion the impact of employment and income displacement affecting the OFWs upon their repatriation to the country.”

The DOLE and OWWA also presented the guidelines on how OFWs can avail of the cash benefit. The OFW should ready any of the documents needed:  passports, travel document, or two valid ID cards with pictures.

Baldoz said, “The release of the financial relief assistance is only one day.”

Only the OFWs who have lost their jobs and are repatriated due to political conflict and natural calamities of the host countries will be entitled to avail of the cash assistance. The name of the OFW should also be included in the list of repatriated OFWs from affected countries.

Click here to view the list of OFWs that are repatriated from Libya.

Aside from the financial assistance, qualified OFWs can also avail of the Training Assistance on Employment and Investment Opportunities that can give them knowledge and equipped them with skills that they can use for various alternative sources of income.

The Philippine government reportedly allotted Php100 million pesos for the financial grant. The cash assistance can be availed at all OWWA regional welfare offices in the 17 regions of the country.