OWWA, Microsoft launch computer purchase program

Filipino’s working abroad can now get in touch with their families more often after the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Microsoft Philippines launched a special PC purchase program for OFWs.

Under the project dubbed as "Konek ka Diyan," OFWs and their families can avail of a special credit program under OWWA’s Family Assistance Loan so that they can purchase multimedia personal computers.

OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque said that while OFWs support their families financially, the emotional effects of long-term separation often prove difficult to manage.

"Separation from families is one of the major obstacles that most of our OFWs encounter abroad. This program is very significant because we are trying to address one of the more sensitive issues for OFWs," Roque said during the program launch at the OWWA office in Pasay City yesterday.

In this way, Roque noted, families and their loved ones out of the country are able to communicate at a cheaper cost.

"Microsoft is the first IT company to approach us with a vision of empowering OFWs through technology and we are very happy that we are able to sustain this partnership which has already benefited more than 4,000 OFWs," he added.

Antonio Javier Jr., managing director of Microsoft Philippines, said they have seen how IT can potentially change lives, improve confidence, and bridge the physical divide between OFWs and their families.

"We recognize the hardships that our OFWs go through abroad and somehow, we want to ease their difficulties by offering the means to stay connected with their families," Javier said.

He noted that apart from the financial assistance that will be available to those interested in owning a personal computer, Microsoft will contribute a dollar to OWWA Scholarship Fund for every unit sold.

"Through technology, it will now be possible for all of us to stay connected to our loved ones anywhere in the world, whenever we need to and wherever we are," the official added.

Roque said that for a period of one year since the program launch, they will be targeting at least families of 10,000 OFWs as beneficiaries of the program.