Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III disclosed that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will shoulder the printing of the OFW ID with P50 million budget.
Bello disclosed that there were some companies which volunteered to pay for the printing of the ID. However, he said: “But we decided for OWWA to shoulder the printing… we are wary that some might pay for it but might ask something in return.”
He also stressed the OFW ID will be free for OFWs, but charges may apply if they would want it delivered to their homes.
DOLE earlier said it is targeting to start the printing and distribution of the OFW ID this week in time for the return of OFWs for the Christmas holidays.
However, DOLE was unable to meet its tentative deadline for the release of the OFW ID, which was supposed to be on Wednesday, due to the delay in the release of its guidelines.
Source: Manila Bulletin
