OFWs in Macau going hungry, plead for help amid COVID-19 restrictions

Several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Macau are going hungry as COVID-19 restrictions are preventing them from working, according to Saleema Refran’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

The gambling hub went into lockdown earlier this month as authorities tried to stem Macau's biggest COVID-19 outbreak yet. Businesses have gradually begun to reopen, but the effects of weeks dealing with China's zero-COVID policy are still being felt by many, including foreign workers.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said at least 5,000 of the 26,000 OFWs in Macau are affected by the restrictions, including those working in commercial and industrial activities that were suspended during the lockdown.

Only those in the food businesses, groceries, and essential services are allowed to operate.

“Hindi stay-in kasi itong mga ito eh, so paghindi sila maka-report, no pay,” Department of Migrant Workers Spokesperson Toby Nebrida said.

(They do not stay in, so if they cannot report, there is no pay.)

Among those who were affected is OFW Ariel Camua, who has been a dishwasher for 13 years in a casino.

“Napakahirap po talaga. Talagang mauubos po yung pondo ninyo rito or savings dahil one month po kayong walang sweldo, kailangan ninyo pong bumili ng mga pagkain, ng mga pangangailangan sa pang-araw-araw,” Camua said.

(It is really hard. Your funds or savings will really run out here because you have no salary for one month, you have to buy food and daily necessities.)

Barista Ian Escano said he is coping with the situation. However, he appealed for help for his fellow OFWs.

“Hindi na po alam ng mga Pilipino dito kung saan kukuhanin yung pangangailangan nila every day until mag-stop itong restrictions dito. Hindi na rin alam kung paano kukuhanin, kung saan kukuhanin pangbayad ng bills, rentals dito, at siyempre yung pinapadala namin,” Escano said.

(Filipinos here do not know where to get their daily needs until these restrictions are lifted here. I don't even know how to get it, where to get it to pay bills, rent here, and of course what we will send to our families.)

Some OFWs organized a donation drive to help those in need.

“Marami pong mga willing tumulong and I hope na mas marami pa po sa mga kababayan natin na able na tumulong sa ating mga kababayan even sana sa Pilipinas bigyan tayo ng tulong in any way possible para kahit papaano po eh maibsan ang paghihirap ng ibang OFWs dito,” Rachel Luna Peralta, another OFW in Macau, said.

(There are many willing to help and I hope that there are more of our fellow Filipinos who will provide help especially in the Philippines, I hope they will give us help in any way possible so that somehow the challenges of other OFWs here can be alleviated.)

The DMW has started to provide financial assistance by distributing $50 vouchers to buy necessities and a $200 one-time assistance for those who acquired COVID-19.

“Our Filipino Overseas laborer offices are working closely together para matulungan natin [to help them], we identify it and we will get the support and assistance as soon as we can given the challenges. Ang pagkakaaalam ko medyo lumuwag na ata na-lift na yung suspension. So gradually, nagre-resume na ng normal [As I understand the restrictions have loosened, so gradually things are returning to normal],” Nebrida said. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News