OWWA helps 949 OFWs return home

LEGAZPI CITY --- Nearly a thousand Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Bicol region have been assisted in returning home amid the coronavirus disease (COVID -19) pandemic, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Monday, June 8.

Rowena Alzaga, OWWA Bicol spokesperson, said that as of June 7, some 949 displaced OFWs have been assisted by the agency by giving them free transportation service in returning home to their respective towns and cities.

Alzaga citing agency records said out of the total number of OFWs who were given assistance: 424 were from Albay; 235, Camarines Sur; 95, Sorsogon; 77, Masbate; 61, Camarines Norte; and 57, Catanduanes.

The data showed that 70 percent are sea-based workers while only 30 percent are land- based workers.

She said that under OWWA’s “Uwian Na” program, aside from giving free transportation services with free meals, airport assistance by sweeper flights, referral to local governments, and endorsement to quarantine facilities are also provided to OFWs.