OWWA: P150k cash aid for repatriated OFWs not true

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Thursday denied social media posts claiming that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who request for repatriation amid the Middle East conflict will receive P150,000 in cash aid.

In a post on its Facebook page, the OWWA reminded the public, especially OFWs, to validate information they consume online.

The agency said social media posts claiming that there is a P150,000 financial assistance for OFWs who will be repatriated are untrue and are fake news.

“Nakakalungkot makita na sa panahong nakatuon ang pamahalaan sa pagsiguro sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga OFW, may mga patuloy na nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon. May ilan pang gumagamit ng AI videos at iba pang paraan upang magmukhang lehitimo ang mga ito,” the OWWA said.

(It is sad that at a time when the government is focused on ensuring the safety and welfare of our OFWs, there are those who continue to spread false information. Others even use AI videos and other means to make these posts look legitimate.)

It added that although there is no P150,000 financial assistance for OFWs, OFWs are entitled to benefits as OWWA members. These are:

• Financial assistance for OFWs who are in distress and in need of assistance;
• Livelihood and reintegration programs for OFWs who want to start anew in the Philippines; and
• Training assistance, scholarships, and upskilling opportunities to broaden OFWs’ knowledge and increase their chances of employment.

The OWWA also reminded the public to be critical and not to easily believe posts or videos with unclear sources of information.

The agency advised the public and OFWs to follow the official social media pages of the OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for correct and official information.

Earlier, over 1,900 OFWs in the Middle East requested for repatriation amid the escalation of conflict in the region.

The first batch of 299 OFWs from Dubai arrived in the Philippines on Thursday, March 5. — JMA, GMA Integrated News