Philippine News Agency
DOLE exec says cash aid program for OFWs ongoing
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can still apply for financial aid through the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Abot Kaya and Pagtulong (AKAP) program.
The AKAP program is a continuing initiative to support OFWs during the crisis, accepting and processing requests from both onsite and repatriated workers.
With an additional P1 billion in funding, AKAP is now capable of assisting up to 250,000 OFWs.
The program provides a one-time financial aid of P10,000 or USD200 to displaced land-based and sea-based OFWs.
To date, nearly 145,000 OFWs have benefited from AKAP, with approximately 450,000 requests received.
Additionally, manning agencies and ship owners are responsible for shouldering the quarantine expenses of seafarers, including board and lodging, as mandated by Department Order No. 211-A-2020.
This policy aligns with the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006, which addresses social protection and seafarer welfare.
All returning OFWs are required to complete a 14-day quarantine in a government facility and test negative for COVID-19 before returning home.
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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has over PHP1.1 billion remaining in its PHP2.5 billion budget for the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program.
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The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has approved a P5 billion fund to assist an estimated 500,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon urged the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to utilize its P20 billion trust fund to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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As of June 1, 2020, a total of 25,002 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been facilitated by the government to return to their hometowns.
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Interior Secretary Eduardo AƱo reiterated that local government units (LGUs) cannot refuse the return of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to their home provinces as mandated by President Duterte.
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