NEARLY 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced by the pandemic are still waiting to be repatriated, according to a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) official.

In a televised public briefing Friday, May 14, 2021, DOLE - International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Visperas said they have brought home a total of 544,624 displaced OFWs since last year.

Visperas also said there are 78,519 displaced OFWs who opted to stay on-site abroad.

Visperas also said they have already disbursed P5.219 billion in cash assistance under the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program to 514,630 OFWs.

The program provides a one-time emergency cash aid of $200 or P10,000 to OFWs displaced by the pandemic. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)