MANILA -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday assured that there is ongoing efforts to provide assistance to Filipino migrant workers affected by the sudden closure of New Zealand firm, ELE group of companies.

DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne Caunan said that they are currently in close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Sa New Zealand po nagkaroon po ng hindi masyadong magandang sitwasyon doon at na-report po sa atin na mayroon isang kumpanya, ito po iyong ELE Holdings na mayroon po silang mga 900 na trabahador halos more than 300 po ay mga Filipino, nag-declare po silang bankrupt,” she said in a news forum in Quezon City.

“Ang Department of Migrant Workers po ay nag—sa pagtutulungan with Department of Foreign Affairs ay nagpaabot na ng tulong sa unang batch po ng mga apektadong OFWs,” she added.

According to Caunan, they are expecting around 340 OFWs who will receive the financial assistance.

The Philippine Embassy has been made aware of the situation of Filipino workers affected by the filing of receivership of the said company as early as December 2023.

With this, the Philippine Embassy in Wellington has started disbursing financial aid to affected workers earlier this month. (PND)