Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has allotted P20 million to provide financial assistance to families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Abra and other parts of Luzon on Wednesday.
DMW chief Susan “Toots” Ople on Thursday said they would wait for the damage assessment report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to find out which OFW families need to be prioritized for the distribution of assistance funds.
READ: Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra, other parts of Luzon
“This is just an initial allotment to help OFW families affected by the earthquake,” she said in a statement. “I have directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to immediately provide help and find out what other forms of assistance the DMW can provide.”
Ople then instructed affected families to file applications in their region’s nearest OWWA office to receive the DMW financial assistance.
She further detailed that they only need to present proof that at least one family member is currently working overseas.
DMW said the applications would undergo verification before they are endorsed for financial assistance.
“The one-time allocation can be used for food, medicines, groceries, water, or any items the OFW family needs immediately,” it added.
Ople is currently coordinating with the Home Development Mutual Fund or PAG-IbigBIG fund to assist in the emergency loan applications of OFW families affected by the earthquake.
According to the Office of the Civil Defense, more than 4,000 families or 20,000 individuals were affected by the earthquake that struck the town of Lagangilang in Abra.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier said that victims of the powerful earthquake might receive up to P10,000 cash assistance.
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