On Thursday, His Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte recognized the efforts and the sacrifices of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) for their unparalleled contribution to keeping the country’s gross domestic product. The President thanked them for their help in adding up to the country’s income claiming it all came from their sweat and “blood”.
To show the government’s appreciation to the OFWs sacrifices, President Duterte offered assistance to returning OFWs who seek to start a business in the country thru the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) “Pamaskong Salubong Para sa OFW” program held at the Clark International Airport.
He then assured that the government will help in marketing the business of those who are just about to start.
Meanwhile, President Duterte announced that the country will be needing more construction workers for several pipeline projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government. However, he shared that they need professional and experienced plumbers and electricians for projects in Davao but sadly, the expert workers had flew out of the country to work abroad.
On the other hand, the President also shared that the Department of Trade and Industry is also helping small and medium scale businesses in marketing their products.
Out of the 200 returning overseas workers, 39 among them who came from Qatar were pre-selected as recipients of cash and surprise gifts from OWWA.
David Dionisio, Mellie Ramirez, Rodylyn Morada and Carlo Redoble were the recipients of I-DOLE.
Jerson Villamero Zamora, Felix Sbrigo Bambilla, Carlo Dalaguit Redoble, Alan Javalde Gonzaga, Ronald Panahon Ballicud, Judith Soto Gonzaga, Fatima Venancio Bibangon and Wellnor Gonzaga Zamora had received P 50,000 cash each.
Appliances worth P10 Thousand each were rewarded to Grace Lyn Jimenez Colot, Marlondino Olarte Bambilla, Diosdado Gonzaga Laylay Jr., Joy Pinero Militante, Allan Manliquez Militante, Jocelyn Militante Labajo, Joy Manliquez Dalagon, and Prisco Villamero Zamora Jr.
P3,000 worth of appliances were given to 5 OFWs who had repatriated namely Gerlie Gonzaga Laylay, Lowelyn Militante Gonzaga, William Sabado, Manolo Mediavillo and Rey Chua Jr.
Julie Rose Mediavillo, Eller Ocampo, Eric Bacolod Delos Reyes, Nelson Dumantay and Fely Dumantay had received special gifts.
The President concluded the event with an invitation for a dialogue with the repatriated OFWs in a simple gathering in Malacañang Palace to discuss matters pertaining to programs that will help them as they’ve decided to stay in the country for good.
