Ilonggo workers who lost their jobs abroad due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will each receive P10,000 in cash assistance from the provincial government.
The distribution of cash aid is mandated under an ordinance authored by Third District Board Member Jason Gonzales.
The ordinance was approved on third and final reading on Nov. 27. It is now only awaiting the signature of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
A total of P21 million has been allocated for the cash aid to be given to displaced land-based and sea-based overseas workers from the province’s five districts.
Under the ordinance, eligible beneficiaries are those who have been registered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for at least two years.
They need to secure documents including accomplished application forms and copies of their flight tickets or boarding passes, certificates of employment, emergency health certificates (if diagnosed with any illness), barangay certificates, repatriation papers, and sworn affidavits that they have not received any government assistance.
Gonzales said an estimated 17 thousand OFWs are qualified to avail of the cash assistance, which is expected to be released starting January next year.
The cash assistance, according to Gonzales, is also intended for OFWs who were maltreated, suffered from serious sickness, and involved in accidents.Angelique Amira Jabian/IMT
