LEGAZPI CITY – Seventy one returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) arrived in Bicol on Monday, bringing its total number in the region to 4,417, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Bicol said.
Rowena Alzaga, OWWA-Bicol spokesperson, in an interview, said the OFWs availed of the government repatriation program amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“The workers were provided with unhampered transport service, provided with meals and were endorsed to quarantine facilities subject to (the) health protocols of their respective provinces,” Alzaga said.
The ROFs who arrived on Monday traveled by bus and were dropped off at different points: Ligao in Albay; Milaor in Camarines Sur; Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte; Pio Duran in Masbate; Tabaco City in Catanduanes; and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.
Based on OWWA-Bicol's record as of August 2, the number of ROFs per province is as follows: Albay-1,546; Camarines Sur-1,286; Camarines Norte-401; Catanduanes-245; Masbate-325 and Sorsogon-613.
Meanwhile, Alzaga advised ROFs who would like to avail of financial assistance from their office to visit their office for an initial interview.
“We need to determine if the OFW is qualified for the financial assistance,” she said.
Alzaga said under the "Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" program, OFWs may avail of a maximum of PHP20,000 assistance depending on their membership contribution. (PNA)
