Vargas proposes aid program, fund for OFWs


  • Written by Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
  • Published in Nation
  • Read: 145
AS the number of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) increases, a House leader yesterday
said a special assistance fund in the amount of P1 billion is needed to immediately address their
needs.
This was the proposal of Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, a vice chairman of the House
committee on appropriations, as he filed House Bill (HB) No. 4400 or An Act providing an assistance
program for OFWs in distress and providing funds thereof.
  
Vargas underscored the need to have special funds, initially P1 billion, to be used by the
government for the repatriation, medical expenses and migration fees for overstaying Filipino
workers abroad.
  
“Our OFWs are called the unsung heroes and the backbone of the Philippine economy. They
deserve much attention, care and protection. It’s just right to give back to them what they have
contributed to the growth of the country.It is only fair and prudent, that government looks after
the total well-being of those who have also contributed significantly to the country, like the
OFWs,” said Vargas.
  
To date, hundreds of distressed OFWs from Kuwait are already returning to the country and
waiting for government assistance.
  
Following the tragic death of Joanna Demafelis, whose body was stuffed in a refrigerator in
Kuwait, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the total ban of deployment for domestic helper in the
said country.
  
Vargas said that while the government is resolving this problem with the Kuwait government,
he is urging Congress to expedite the approval of the House Bill 4400.
  
This bill intends to create a Special Assistance Fund for the Overseas Filipino Workers in
Distress.
  
The fund shall be utilized for repatriation, medical expenses within six months upon the
arrival of the OFW, migration fees for overstaying Filipinos, legal assistance for court hearings
and other basic necessities for OFWs caught in emergency situations or who are detained.
  
The bill also provides special financial assistance to OFWs who have been victims of abuse
from their employers, or who have been repatriated from host countries due to natural or man made
calamities.
  
“But while the overseas Filipino workers have kept a sturdy stream of remittances that
continue to strengthen the country’s economy, the government needs to further ensure that their
access to financial aid, especially in times of abuse or emergency, is available,” Vargas stressed.
  
Vargas is confident that with the passage of this measure, the government will effectively
enable the progress of an empowered and protected migrant worker.

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