On Friday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) had reported to have helped almost 1.2 million OFWs under its repatriation and reintegration assistance program with the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
In 2017, there were 1,170,514 OFWs who were under the welfare and protection programs from both the regional offices and agencies of OWWA and DOLE.
The record showed that there were 36,438 OFWs who had repatriated within July to October, 2017. Among them 19,258 arrived from the Middle East and were given P20,000 as financial assistance; 9,513 were given P6,000 as additional cash grants and 13,245 were given food and hygiene kits.
Of the 15,839 OFWs who applied during the 90-day amnesty program for undocumented foreign nationals by the Saudi government, 10,011 were sent back to the Philippines.
Among the 14,165 OFWs who received post-repatriation services, 4,343 were given medical assistance and psychological counselling and stress debriefing. 1,630 underwent employment training and 2,625 became recipients of livelihood assistance. Transport and accommodation were also given to them while on training.
A total of 4,829 OFWs were assisted with legal matters. Small and medium enterprise establishment aid were accorded to 354 OFWs while 384 were given educational support.
On the other hand, 54,470 OFWs had benefited DOLE’s reintegration program including their families. 28,256 among them had skills training and 26,214 were awarded livelihood support.
To conclude, the Department of Labor and Employment had released an amount totalling to P524,412,350 to carry out the said services in its commitment to the well-being and welfare of the OFWs, our modern day heroes.
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