Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28) — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is allocating an initial ₱20 million assistance fund for families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake in Northern Luzon on Wednesday.
DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople on Thursday said they will prioritize families in the most affected areas based on the damage assessment report to be released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“This is just an initial allotment to help OFW families affected by the earthquake,” Ople said. “I have directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to immediately provide help and find out what other forms of assistance the DMW can provide.”
The secretary said those affected may file their application for DMW financial aid with the nearest OWWA office in their region.
She added they only need to show proof they have at least one family member currently working abroad.
“Once verified, the applications shall be endorsed for financial assistance. The one-time allocation can be used for food, medicines, groceries, water, or any items the OFW family needs immediately,” read the department’s press statement.
Ople added she is coordinating with the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), also known as the PAG-IBIG Fund, to facilitate emergency loan applications of OFW families affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, Social Welfare Asec. Rommel Lopez said in a public briefing that distribution of food and non-food assistance is ongoing, prioritizing the Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan Valley. Residents are also being given psychosocial counseling, he added.
Burial assistance of up to ₱25,000 has been provided, along with ₱10,000 cash aid for the families of the deceased, Lopez said.
The official noted those affected may also have themselves assessed by social welfare authorities to be able to get ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is ready to release over ₱1 billion worth of assistance on standby in case the need arises, Lopez assured.
In terms of communication, Department of Information and Communications Technology Asec. Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo said communication points have been restored and they have deployed mobile very small aperture terminal or VSAT and satellite phones in affected regions to help in rescue operations.
