DSWD to provide counseling to Myanmar OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The psychological first aid (PFA) team of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) arrived in Myanmar on Friday to provide counseling to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.

The eight-member PFA team includes social welfare officers Imee Rose Castillo, Rizaline Sta. Ines, Nolibelyn Macabagdal, Joseph Salavarria, Clenson Tibangay, Hidie Mendoza, Christina Tatoy and psychologist Karen Arvie Gabriel.

The PFA team will also conduct a humanitarian mission for the survivors, according to DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

The PFA is part of the broader Philippine Rapid Response Deployment Team (RRDT), composed of representatives from the DSWD, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Health (DOH).

“The DSWD is committed to supporting our kababayans and other survivors affected by this tragic disaster,” Dumlao said in a statement.

In the country, the DSWD also initiated counseling sessions for the families of the affected OFWs.

The DSWD also extended P10,000 cash assistance to each family of the affected OFWs.

“We are also conducting assessments to determine the need for further medical assistance for family members who depended on the deceased OFWs for their needs,” Dumlao said.

Upon arrival of the PFA team, the RRDT and officials from the Philippine embassy accompanied bereaved family members in receiving the ashes of the two Filipino fatalities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) deployed in Myanmar has been providing medical services to 118 patients daily, the DOH said.

“As we see it, they need more of medical attention since many of them have illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension,” Dr. Ivy Lozada, PEMAT team lead, said in an online meeting with DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa. — Rhodina Villanueva