The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration distributed P800,0000 to 40 migrant workers in Negros Occidental Monday, June 7, Rizza Joy Moldes, OWWA Region 6 officer-in-charge, said.
She said 29 overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were given P20,000 each under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program and 11 others received P20,000 each under the Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir Program.
The OFWs also received gift packs from OWWA and the Voice of the Free Foundation during the 2021 Migrant Workers Day celebration held at the Negros Occidental Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
“Our OFWs range from health workers to service providers all over the world; the Filipino migrant workers have become worldwide frontliners in this pandemic,” Lacson said during the Migrant Workers Day rites.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that with the Migrant Workers Day celebration, the provincial government acknowledges the contribution of migrant workers to the economy and honors their sacrifices.
“Right now, we have thousands of distressed migrant workers all over the world; thousands are losing jobs abroad and are stranded. COVID-19 exposed anew the inequalities among societies and countries, thus the call for global solidarity in handling the difficulties and complications faced by migrant workers all over the world,” the governor said.
Lacson said that he understands that times are hard, but he is also a believer of the indomitable Negrense spirit, and hopes that the reintegration and livelihood undertaking for self-employment give migrant workers a fresh start.
“Our present time is indeed one of global crisis, but it is also an opportunity not just to start anew, but also a window to explore and try the possibility of success, not in some countries, but in our very own. Your provincial government is here to support you,” he added.*