4,000 overseas Pinoys back home in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY --- Seventy one Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) have arrived in Bicol on Monday, Aug. 3, bringing to 4,417 the total number of overseas returnees to the region, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Bicol said.

Rowena Alzaga, OWWA-Bicol spokesperson, in an interview, said the ROFs availed of the government repatriation program amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The workers were provided with unhampered transport service, provided with meals and were endorsed to quarantine facilities subject to (the) health protocols of their respective provinces,” Alzaga said.

The ROFs who arrived on Aug. 3 traveled by bus and were dropped off at different points: Ligao for Albay residents; Milaor for Camarines Sur residents; Sta. Elena for Camarines Norte residents; Pio Duran for Masbate residents; Tabaco City for Catanduanes residents; and Sorsogon City for Sorsogon residents.

Based on OWWA-Bicol's record as of August 2, the number of ROFs per province is as follows: Albay-1,546; Camarines Sur-1,286; Camarines Norte-401; Catanduanes-245; Masbate-325, and Sorsogon-613.

Meanwhile, Alzaga advised ROFs who would like to avail of OWWA financial assistance to visit their office for an initial interview.

“We need to determine if the OFW is qualified for the financial assistance,” she said.

Alzaga said under the "Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" program, OFWs may avail of a maximum of P20,000 financial assistance depending on their membership contribution. (PNA)