Launched by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in partnership with the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA), DOLE-AKAP (AbotKamayangPagtulong) program was established to provide a one-time cash aid to displaced and repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from both their host countries or those stranded by the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines.
Numerous OFWs were forced out of work – some were terminated and repatriated in the Philippines since all forms of labor were at a halt due to pandemic catastrophedistressing countries worldwide. To ease the worries of the displaced three hundred thirty nine (339) OFWs across Mimaropa region, DOLE-Mimaropa and OWWA-Regional Welfare Office IVB granted financial assistance amounting to Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000) or $200 to each qualified displaced OFW.
“The heartfelt appreciation given by the OFWs after receiving their financial assistance gives us strength to strive even more to help our dear OFWs in these trying times. Let us continue to fight this crisis together. Rest assured that our evaluators and our counterparts at DOLE Mimaropa through the guidance of Regional Director Albert E. Gutib, are working tirelessly 24/7 to process the DOLE-AKAP Financial Assistance.” OWWA Regional Director Ma. Teresa B. Capa said.
“The DOLE and OWWA are joining hands to give the perfect gift of hope for our OFWs in this upcoming Labor Day Celebration”, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III added.
As of May 1, just in time for the International Labor Day, the 339 OFWs received their financial assistance with total amount of Php 3,390,000.00 in the region. (Lisabelle Carpio/PIA-Mimaropa)