Filipinos in Rome ask PH govt for OFW aid amid COVID-19

Two Filipinos based in Rome have appealed to the Philippine government to provide assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy who have been displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Filipino expatriates Zenaida Barro and Billy Costales expressed their concerns during an online meeting with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay.

Barro highlighted that many Filipinos, particularly those in the service sector like hotels and restaurants, have been severely affected by Italy's lockdown measures.

Costales added that it would be beneficial if the government could extend aid to the families of OFWs remaining in the Philippines, especially for part-time workers facing no-work-no-pay situations.

Undersecretary Dulay assured that the Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is exploring ways to deliver assistance to the families of affected OFWs.

The DFA official also urged the Filipino community in Italy to stay updated by regularly checking the official websites of the Philippine Embassy and Consulates for advisories and the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Italy.