The City Government of Digos in Davao del Sur announced that it will provide cash assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the city who wish to return home due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Under the program, each returning Digosanon OFW will receive ₱20,000 financial assistance, along with support from the city’s reintegration program that aims to help them find livelihood opportunities after returning to the Philippines.
Requirements for Cash Assistance
Returning OFWs who wish to avail of the financial assistance must submit the following requirements:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of work contract
- Referral letter from the Philippine Embassy
- Certificate of Indigency issued by the barangay of residence
All documents should be submitted to the Digos City Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Applicants may also send inquiries through the Digos City PESO Facebook page for further information.
Free Communication Assistance for Families
Digos City Mayor Joseph Fortich Cagas has also instructed the City Information and Communications Technology Office (CICTO) to make its facilities available for families who need help contacting their loved ones working in affected areas in the Middle East.
The CICTO office offers fast and reliable internet access to assist families who are having difficulty communicating with OFWs abroad.
Families may visit the CICTO office located on the ground floor of the Old City Hall Building.
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DSWD Also Ready to Assist Returning OFWs
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also confirmed that it is ready to support returning OFWs affected by the situation abroad.
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, the agency can provide financial assistance to OFWs temporarily staying in Manila before returning to their respective provinces.
DSWD Field Offices are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to provide additional support, including employment and livelihood opportunities for returning workers who may no longer want to go back overseas.
Support Programs for Returning Workers
The government continues to provide assistance to returning OFWs through various programs such as:
- Financial assistance
- Livelihood and reintegration programs
- Employment opportunities in local communities
These initiatives aim to help OFWs recover from the challenges they experienced abroad and rebuild their lives in the Philippines.
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