Most of 8k stranded, aspiring OFWs in Metro Manila refusing to go back to provinces — OWWA chief Cacdac

By JOVILAND RITA, GMA News
Most of the 8,000 stranded aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who were withheld from going abroad due to the COVID-19 situation, have been refusing to go back to their provinces.
At a forum on Monday, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said these aspiring OFWs were already abandoned by their manning agencies.
“Meron tayong humigit kumulang  ng 8,000 na binibigyan ng pagkain, pinapakain araw. Ito ‘yung mga hindi nakaalis at hindi na nila nadidinig ang kanilang manning agencies,” he said.
“Either hindi nakasampa ng barko, meron nang POEA contract, tapos meron pang mga trainees na inabanduna na ng kanilang manning agency,” he added.
According to Cacdac, OWWA already spent around P80 million to provide food for the stranded OFWs since March 15.
“Karamihan sa kanila, ayaw na umuwi ng probinsiya, ng Mindanao o ng Visayas kasi inaabangan din nila yung tinatawag na crew change,” he said.
Aside from this, Cacdac said OWWA also shoulder the accommodation of around 1,000 seafarers stuck in Metro Manila.
He commended some cruise ship manning agencies for stepping up in assisting their personnel like Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., and United Philippine Lines, Inc.
Around 66,000 stranded OFWs have returned home to their provinces since May 15, Cacdac said. — RSJ, GMA News

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