After years of working out of borrowed corners and makeshift desks, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) finally planted its own flag in Apayao.
The agency opened its first-ever field office in the province on March 25, a move long awaited by the community of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. No more traveling far just to process papers or ask for help. This time, the help is here.
Set in San Isidro Sur in Luna town, the office will serve as a hub for OFW services such as welfare assistance to reintegration support, repatriation coordination, scholarships, and livelihood grants. The ribbon-cutting ceremony gathered municipal representatives, PESO managers, OFWs, and families. St. Isidore Parish Priest Rev. Arnold Arellano led the blessing.
“This is more than just an office. It is a promise fulfilled,” said Rejoice Cabrera, who has served as the province’s Family Welfare Officer since 2018. She recalled her early days sharing space at the DOLE-CAR office, armed with little more than a desk and the trust of the yApayaos. “Let us celebrate this moment and work toward a brighter future for our OFWs and their families,” she added.
For seven years, OWWA services in Apayao survived on makeshift arrangements. Now, with the arrival of a full-fledged office and the reinforcement of colleague Lovely Tugaoen, the province now joins the ranks of provinces with direct access to OWWA services.
OWWA CAR Regional Director Martel R. Dasayon said that Apayao’s strong support for OFW programs made it a priority. “We aim to set a new standard of service for our OFWs, starting with Apayao,” he declared. Dasayon urged the community to maximize OWWA programs from educational support to livelihood opportunities because, as he put it, “OFWs are not just breadwinners; they are builders of local economies.”
Representing Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., Development Management Officer V Philip Uba praised the resilience of OFWs and the vision that paved the way for the new office. “Maysa kadagiti very evident a makitkita tayo idtoy lugar tayo nga Apayao, thanks to our leaders because yung mga tangible evidence of those dreams they have had has finally come into a reality, even during the time of the late Elias K. Bulut Sr.,” he said.
Uba also announced fresh support from the Provincial Government such as financial assistance for yApayaos aiming to work abroad. It is a move designed to make the leap less daunting and to make sure that the would-be OFWs are not just dreaming but prepared. By Diocen Tolentino
