Philippines' P1-B fund for distressed OFWs seen to run out in August

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)’s P1-billion Assistance to Nationals Fund will run out in August, an official told the House Committee on Public Accounts in a hearing on Friday.

DFA Undersecretary Sarah Arriola said there were over 88,000 OFWs needing repatriation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia alone.

“Our utilization rate is very high. A chartered flight costs P12 million to P13 million per flight, and that is only good for 350 passengers,” Arriola said.

“We have 30 to 31% left of P1 billion for repatriation, kaya baka hanggang by end of July or mid-August po ito,” he added.

Thousands of OFWs have been needing repatriation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ATN is the fund set aside to help distressed Filipino migrants.

Arriola asked for patience, considering the overwhelming number of displaced OFWs that need assistance.

“Gustong gusto na namin mag-uwi because our people are getting desperate, mahirap po talaga ang situation on the ground, but of course, it also depends on the capacity of other agencies dahil may limits po ‘yung arrival per day,” Arriola said.

“If we can have 2,000 [OFWs flown in] per day, seven days a week, we could bring more home,” she added.

Arriola asked for help in coordinating with host governments and for additional budgetary support from the government so that stranded OFWs could be provided with basic needs pending their repatriation.

Based on government records, there are 160,000 displaced OFWs worldwide needing repatriation.

Aside from the cost of bringing OFWs home, the government also pays for the returning OFWs COVID-19 test and their hotel accommodation for the mandatory 14-day quarantine. -NB, GMA News