Over 139,000 OFWs returned home amid pandemic

More than 139,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic have been returned to their home provinces.

The latest group of 2,218 OFWs were transported on Wednesday, August 12, bringing the total number of assisted OFWs to 139,059 since May.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and in collaboration with other agencies, has provided returning Filipinos with essential support such as accommodation, food, transportation, and COVID-19 testing.

Eligible OFWs have also received a one-time cash aid of PHP10,000 through the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program, whether they were stranded in the country or still abroad.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III reiterated that DOLE will not tire of assisting OFWs repatriated to the country and facilitate their transport to the provinces.

On August 9, Bello also announced that President Duterte has approved the release of additional P5 billion for the repatriation and assistance to OFWs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.