BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - Overseas Filipino Workers, OFW returnees and their dependents were given early Christmas treat by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Cordillera Regional Welfare Office.

 A celebration in line with the OFW Family Day 2021, it was a day of fun games, raffles and Christmas pack treats for more than 130 OFWs and dependents from Baguio City and the province of Benguet.

 Several OFWs also joined in a “Parol” (Christmas Lantern from recycled materials) making contest and others gamely danced for a “TikTok” challenge.

OWWA – CAR also spearheaded the awarding of scholarship certificates to four Education for Development Scholarship (EDSP) grantees, five OFW Dependents Scholarship Program(ODSP) and 26 beneficiaries of Educational Assistance through Scholarship in Emergencies (EASE).

The EDSP provides P30, 000 per semester to each OFW dependent who pass the qualifying examination; ODSP provides P10, 000 per semester to deserving dependent of an OFW whose monthly income abroad is less than $600 or its Philippine peso equivalent while EASE provides P10, 000 education assistance per year to qualified dependents of OFWs whose work are affected by COVID – 19.

For livelihood assistance, OWWA – CAR awarded P15, 000 cheque each to 11 beneficiaries of the Balik – Pinas, Balik – Hanapbuhay Program.

A widow of a Cordilleran OFW who died due to COVID-19 in Malaysia received P120, 000 death and burial assistance. The bereaved family is also set to receive P15, 000 livelihood assistance from OWWA.

There was also an information caravan on OWWA and   National Reintegration Center for OFWs programs and services.

 OWWA – CAR OIC Regional Director Luzviminda Tumaliuan said the OFW Family Day is an institutionalized annual celebration spearheaded by OWWA in recognition of the contributions of OFWs in nation building and for a venue to treat them and their families in a Christmas celebration.

The event was postponed last year due to the COVID–19 pandemic. With the drop in cases, OWWA decided to push through this year but instead of a regional celebration, the OFW Family Day is now per province and strictly complying with minimum public health standards and safety protocols.

For OWWA’s message this Christmas season, Tumaliuan advises OFWs to have faith in God, always pray for protection and be thankful for all the blessings that come to them. With COVID – 19 still in our midst, she reminds   them to stay safe and continue following the minimum public health standards and safety protocols set by the government or their respective LGUs. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)