DFA to extend financial help to OFWs stranded due to NAIA incident

August 21, 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said it will be extending financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers who were unable to depart for their host countries due to flight delays and cancellations resulting from the recent airline accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the DFA, through its Office of Migrant Workers Affairs (OMWA), will extend financial assistance amounting to P5,000 starting  in the afternoon of August 22 until August 24 afternoon to affected overseas workers.

“The DFA, with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are working together to address the concerns of our overseas workers who have been stranded at the NAIA in the past few days,” Cayetano said in a statement from Jakarta where he is on official business.

“We are releasing a reasonable amount from our Assistance to Nationals Fund as we understand that a number of our countrymen remain stranded and do not have funds to meet their daily needs,” Secretary Cayetano said.

According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola, overseas workers affected by the flight delays and cancellations and who are still in the country can claim the assistance at the OMWA offices at the third floor of the DFA Building in Roxas Boulevard and at NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3. beginning at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 23 and 24(Thursday and Friday).

Arriola said those claiming the financial assistance should present their airline ticket showing original date of departure; the reissued ticket showing new date of departure; employment contract; and overseas employment certificate.

The DFA said its embassies and consulates general abroad are ready to issue certifications and make representations with foreign employers if needed to explain to foreign employers the delay in the arrival of their Filipino employees. DMS