In order to further help overseas Filipino workers (OFW) affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have opened all applications to the cash assistance program DOLE-Abot Kamay Ang Pagtulong (DOLE-AKAP) for OFWs for online submissions starting Apr. 13.
The financial aid program covers those who have experienced job displacement due to the receiving country’s imposition of lockdown or community quarantine as well as having been infected by the virus.
This includes both regular/documented and undocumented OFWs deemed qualified by OWWA, as well as those considered as “Balik-Manggagawa” or those who were unable to return to the country they work at due to the lockdown.
Applicants can either still be at their overseas job sites or in the Philippines as repatriates or Balik-Manggagawa. However, they must not be receiving any financial support or assistance from the countries they work at or their employers.
OFWs who submitted online applications and are eligible for the financial aid will be able to receive P10,000.
The online application requires OFWs to present various documents including a copy of their passport or travel document, flight ticket or boarding pass or arrival stamp attached in the airport as proof for those who have already returned to the Philippines and proof of their overseas employment like their residence ID and overseas employment certificate.
Applicants must also present proof that their employment status or the country they work at is affected by the virus outbreak. Further information and guidelines are listed below:
“Once approved, your documents will be submitted to the concerned DOLE regional office for funding through money transfer or Pesonet within five working days upon approval,” the OWWA circular stated.
As of Apr. 12, OWWA has provided assistance to 8,748 stranded OFWs during the enhanced community quarantine. They have also laid out various programs such as temporary shelter assistance and free transport to OFWs as well as food pack provision to seafarers.
Header photo from Inquirer.net
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Writer: YANN MAGCAMIT
