OWWA warns trust fund may be depleted by end-2021

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief warned that the agency's trust fund, which is funded by OFW contributions, may be depleted by the end of 2021 if the pandemic continues.

As of Wednesday, June 24, OWWA has spent P1.1 billion on various assistance for returning OFWs and stranded seafarers, with around P915 million coming from the trust fund.

The agency provided hotel accommodations, food, and transportation to over 28,000 returning OFWs and offered food assistance to an additional 70,000 overseas Filipinos and 70,000 seafarers stuck in the Philippines due to lockdowns.