BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) recently released livelihood assistance to 16 distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the province. 

The beneficiaries received P10,000 each as start-up capital for their livelihood projects.

Johanna Taberna, DMW labor employment officer, said the financial assistance is part of a broader effort to help OFWs who have been adversely affected by various circumstances. 

She said the beneficiaries were required to attend an enterprise development training session. 

“This session was necessary for them to complete their application forms, fulfill other requirements, and undergo a business site inspection,” Taberna said. 

Taberna said the beneficiary OFWs are considered undocumented OFWs (Employment contracts that were not processed by DMW), overstayed despite expired visas and permits to stay, maltreated, victims of human trafficking, had no OWWA membership payment, and were OWWA inactive members.

“The distressed OFWs came from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Cyprus and Dubai. When their work permits expired, some of them voluntarily returned home at their own expense, while others sought help from our embassies to come home,” she said. 

Rody Recesio, overseas workers welfare administration’s family welfare officer, said the request for assistance by the undocumented distressed and/or displaced OFWs was facilitated, assessed, and endorsed by their office to the DMW and NRCO for approval. 

“Our distressed and /or displaced OFWs seeking help can come to our office located at DONNS Building near the diversion road in barangay Sta. Rosa in Bayombong town. We can assess and facilitate their requirements for submission and approval by the DMW and NRCO,” he said.

Lydia Guzman, one of the beneficiaries from barangay District 4 in Bayombong town, said the assistance will be of great help for her family. 

She said that through the DMW, OWWA assistance will be used to put up their livelihood activity to earn. 

Governor Jose Gambito, for his part, praised the initiative of the DMW and OWWA and encouraged the beneficiaries to use the money wisely. 

“This financial assistance is not just a handout, but a tool for you to uplift your lives. It is a testament to our commitment to support our OFWs and their families. Use it to create sustainable livelihoods that ensures your future wellbeing,” he said. 

Gambito said the provincial government, through its Public Employment Services Office, will continue to work with the DMW and OWWA to help more OFWs in the province as a recognition of their significant contributions to the economy and society. (BME/PIA NVizcaya)