1,000 stranded OFWs expected to receive cash assistance amid nCoV outbreak—DOLE

Around 1,000 overseas Filipino workers whose departure had been postponed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak are expected to receive P10,000 cash assistance each on Wednesday, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

"For today, we expect 500 to 1,000 ang magke-claim doon sa P10,000 at saka hangga't maaaari ma-accommodate namin sa OWWA [halfway] house at saka sa mga dormitories," Labor Undersecretary Renato Ebarle said in an interview on GMA News TV's Balitanghali.

"OWWA alloted P100 billion for this," he added.

Another 200 stranded OFWs were assisted on Tuesday, according to the labor official.

OFWs who are bound for China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau were not allowed to push through with their flights amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier said they may be allowed to fly out once the situation improves in two weeks.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) may also shoulder the transportation expenses of those who wish to return to their provinces in the meantime, Ebarle said.

Affected OFWs may inquire about the assistance at OWWA's central and regional offices and at the kiosks set up at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.

Further, Ebarle assured that OFWs who may be displaced by the outbreak will be assisted by the government in securing local employment. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News