OWWA grants P4.4M aid to 238 displaced OFWs in Abra for fresh start

Bangued, Abra – For more than 200 displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Abra whose dreams built far from home were cut short by unfinished contracts, the assistance of the Provincial Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-Abra) has become a saving grace.

In a recent interview, OWWA-Abra Family Welfare Officer Karen Borreta shared that there are a total of 403 displaced or distressed OFWs in the province who have applied for assistance to start anew.

Of this total, 238 applicants have already received livelihood assistance amounting to more than P4.4 million through the agency’s “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” Program.

“Dagitoy immay nag-apply ti OWWA nga 403 applicants under Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program, isuda dagitoy dagiti adda ti unfinished contract nga distressed ken displaced OFWs. Ditoy nga pumasok ti reintegration program ni OWWA. Addan ti 238 a napundoan idi last year ditoy Abra,” Borreta was quoted as saying.

The Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program is a comprehensive initiative of OWWA designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term economic stability for displaced OFWs.

Displaced OFWs are defined as workers who were forced to return home before the completion of their employment contracts.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive cash assistance ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, intended as seed capital to start or strengthen small livelihood projects such as sari-sari stores, food vending, farming, and other income-generating ventures.

“Daytoy nga seed capital nga inted ni OWWA, makatulong daytoy para iti reintegration da iti community da. Ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, adda ti pagrugian da nga bassit nga puhonan para iti negosyo,” Borreta explained.

Beyond financial assistance, OWWA ensures that beneficiaries are not left on their own. Borreta said that one month after the release of funds, the agency conducts monitoring visits to check how the assistance is being used and to assess the progress of each livelihood project.

Those who encounter difficulties or whose ventures do not immediately succeed are given further guidance and continued support.

To further equip returning workers, OWWA also offers short courses and skills training under its scholarship and education programs, preparing them to become more capable of managing a business.

As for the remaining applicants who have not yet received their grants, the Provincial OWWA Office continues to process their requests as part of its ongoing commitment to support all distressed workers in the province.

Other displaced OFWs in Abra are encouraged to visit the OWWA-Abra Office located at the Rosario Building, Zone 5, Bangued, to learn more about available government programs tailored to support their reintegration.