Capitol Extends Relief To 6 OFWs

Some six overseas Filipino workers who were stranded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for eight months received P20,000 each in financial assistance from the Cebu Provincial Government on Monday.

Gov. Hilario P. Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale handed over the checks to Leonardo Mangubat Palen, Jecky Tampus Gulben, Tristan Casilan Navaja, Rolito Inoe Casilan, Jayson Lago Cortes and Jesus Gale Gonzales Jr.

Davide said the assistance is Capitol’s gesture of compassion towards the unimaginable plight of the Cebuano OFWs.

The workers were dismissed after their company, Alumco aluminum, was closed down due to the dwindling economy of the Middle East. They had a two-year contract as aluminum technicians.

Jayson Lago Cortes, the group’s representative, said their company did not give them separation fee making it difficult to come back home because they don’t have spare money.

Cortes revealed that they find it hard to look for another work since their residence certificate has expired. He added that for eight months, they stayed behind the company’s compound.

“We survived there for eight months through the help of a non-government organization,” said Tristan Navaja, one of the six repatriated workers.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWAA) gave them P20,000 each. Cortes said they used the money for airplane ticket going home. The six OFWs finally made it to Cebu last October 6, 2016.

Cortes said they initially received P5,000 financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). He said it was the first time that they were given help from a local government unit.

“On behalf sa akong mga kauban, kami nagpasalamat gyud og dako ni Gov. Davide, Vice Gov. Magpale ug sa mga sakop sa Provincial Board,” Cortes said.

Magpale, the principal author of scholarship ordinance, advised the OFWs to allow their children apply for the Capitol’s Paglaum Scholarship program. The program gives free college education to the less privileged students who are not among the top 10 of their class.(Kelvin Cañizares)

SOURCE: www.cebu.gov.ph