THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) recently released a total of P36.5 million in cash assistance to 3,652 displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) due to the global crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Owwa 7 Director Mae Codilla said in an online presser held by the Philippine Information Agency 7 that 4,520 applications were approved while more than 600 applicants were waiting for the release of their cash assistance.

“They must apply online and they will receive it via cash padala,” Codilla said.

The Dole released a total of P36,520,000 for the program called the Dole-AKAP Cash Assistance for displaced land-based and sea-based OFWs. Each of the OFWs can receive P10,000 as one-time financial assistance.

The program covers regular and documented OFWs who possess a valid passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay and work in the receiving country, whose contract of employment has been processed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) or the Philippine Overseas Labor and Office (Polo).

Undocumented OFWs who were originally regular or documented workers but are active Owwa members at the time of availment were also included in the financial aid program.

OFWs who were unable to return to the host country in view of the host country lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic can also apply for the program.

The other OFWs who are entitled to the financial assitance:

* Those who were displaced due to the receiving country’s imposition of lockdown or community quarantine.

* Those infected with Covid-19.

* Those who are still at overseas jobsites.

* Those who were already repatriated to the Philippines.

* Those who did not receive any financial support/assistance from the receiving countries/employers.

Eligible OFWs can go to http://dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph to apply for the assistance. (JOB)