DSWD ready to assist repatriated OFWs from Lebanon
2024-Oct-18 12:00
AID FOR REPATRIATED OFWS. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao says the agency is ready to assist the repatriated overseas Filipino workers from Lebanon, during a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City on Thursday (Oct. 17, 2024). Dumlao said assistance may include cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita, and Sustainable Livelihood Program, among others. (PNA/DSWD)
MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured on Thursday that it is ready to assist the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will be repatriated from Lebanon amid the rising tension in the region.
"Meron tayong mga tulong na ipapahatid karagdagan sa ipapamahagi na rin ng Department of Migrant Workers [DMW] (We will be providing some assistance in addition to the aid to be given by the DMW)," Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao told reporters during a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City on Thursday.
"Sa kasalukuyan, ina-assess ng Field office NCR [National Capital Region] yong tulong na ibabahagi at mamaya magtutungo tayo sa Terminal 1 ng NAIA [Ninoy Aquino International Airport] para salubungin itong mga kababayan natin who have been repatriated (FO-NCR is currently assessing the assistance to be provided, and we are going later to NAIA Terminal 1 to welcome our repatriated countrymen)," she said.
Dumlao, also spokesperson of DSWD, said the agency will join other concerned government agencies to welcome the 48 OFWs who are scheduled to arrive later Thursday.
As an initial response, Dumlao said DSWD social workers will be deployed to conduct assessment and interviews to determine the appropriate assistance for the repatriates.
Subject to the social workers' assessment, she said, the cash aid is not only limited to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) or the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), but may vary based on the unique cases of the repatriates.
"Our social workers need to interview itong mga (the) repatriated OFWs because AICS and AKAP, particularly cash assistance, may be just among the interventions. Pwede rin naman kasi na livelihood dahil matagal nga silang mawawalan ng trabaho (Livelihood assistance may also be provided because they were without work for a time)," Dumlao said, referring to the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD.
"Based on the existing guidelines of the SLP, they may receive P15,000 if they enter into the microenterprise development track," she said.
Dumlao added the agency will work with other government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to mobilize a holistic approach to the needs and concerns of the repatriated OFWs. (PNA)