Gov’t to push for more OFW livelihood programs – Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday said the government will push for the creation of
more job opportunities through livelihood programs that would assure a more comfortable life
for the Filipino people.

Speaking before the awardees of the “Model OFW Family of the Year Award” at the Grand
Plaza Ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City, the President assured the
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families that the government is stepping-up in its
efforts to address the common concerns of their group.

The Chief Executive said he has directed various agencies concerned, which include the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA) to further boost programs that will directly benefit the overseas
workers.

The government, according to him is creating 54 additional help desks to beef up the 554 that
were previously installed in different cities and provinces of the country tasked to attend to
the welfare of the OFWs.

The OWWA, he added has been instructed to allot one billion pesos as Reintegration Fund,
which will be used as an effective loan program with low interest rates for the OFWs.

With help from the Land Bank of the Philippine and Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP), the government will conduct seminars on Financial Literacy, Money Management and
similar technical discussions to equip the OFWs and their families to venture into business,
he said.

He noted the influx of both local and foreign investors who are regaining confidence to do
business in the country as a result of the government’s sustainable administrative reforms.

Submit a Comment