BONTOC, Mountain Province – Twelve beneficiaries of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) received their financial assistance on August 14, 2024, at the Office of the Municipal Mayor.
The program aims to provide immediate relief to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are either distressed or displaced by giving them startup capital for business or livelihood projects.
Labor Employment Officer Gladys Sawi mentioned that the OFWs have received an assistance ranging from ₱5,000 – ₱20,000, depending from their contributions.
Meanwhile, two former OFWs also received medical assistance amounting to ₱10,000 each and one dependent of a deceased OFW received ₱20,000 as bereavement assistance.
The bereavement assistance is one of OWWA’s social benefit programs which provides cash assistance in hope of covering the family’s loss of income as well as any funeral or burial costs.
Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who led the turnover of cheques expressed his gratitude to OWWA for all the support they are giving to the OFWs adding that the assistance would be beneficial for OFWs who have returned to the country to start again.
“This support from OWWA is really important as it helps our returning OFWs start fresh and gives them the resources they need to get back on their feet. This financial help is not just money; it’s a sign of hope and a new beginning for our kakailyans who have worked hard abroad. Our local government is committed to making sure that our OFWs get the help they need as they start this new chapter of their lives,” Mayor Tudlong said.
Also present during the turnover were OFW Jennifer Morrison and Christy Lyn Bantasan of OWWA-Mountain Province. By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan
