Aquino to welcome returning OFWs today

MANILA, Philippines –  Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Carmelita Dimzon said President Aquino would personally welcome today the homecoming overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and hand out cash and other prizes to three lucky winners. 

Each of the three raffle winners would receive from the President cash and gift certificates as well as reintegration livelihood checks from Globe Telecom, Banco de Oro, Bank of the Philippine Islands, SM Supermalls, Duty Free Philippines, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, and the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Dimzon said the giving of special prizes is part of the Department of Labor and Employment’s Pamaskong Handog, a yearend outreach program expanded this Christmas to cover more OFWs and their families.

OWWA regional welfare offices would also hold family-oriented activities known as OFW Family Days.

The festivities will include entertainment and information contests such as games, raffle draws, talent contests, and financial literacy sessions to be joined in by members of the OFWs’ families.

Dimzon said lucky OFWs have the chance to win almost P500,000 and non-cash prizes upon their return from employment abroad.

She said three winners would be chosen from OFWs on three flights from the Middle East (via Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines) and Singapore (via Singapore Airlines).

The government is also offering convenience to OFWs during the holidays by operating one-stop processing desks at Global Pinoy lounges of SM Supermalls, Dimzon said.

While visiting the malls, OFWs may already transact with desk representatives of OWWA, PhilHealth and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for overseas employment certificates, OWWA membership renewal, and PhilHealth premiums for “balik manggagawa.”

Meanwhile, OWWA is providing free rides to returning OFWs who cannot be met by their relatives.

Dimzon said the free shuttles are part of the Pamaskong Handog program for OFWs and their families.

She said arriving OFWs could just approach the OWWA counters at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 of the NAIA for shuttle ride schedules.

For the shuttle services and OFW concerns in clearing customs and immigration procedures, OWWA has increased personnel at the NAIA this Christmas season.