The families of eight deceased overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Soccsksargen get livelihood assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
OWWA Soccsksragen acting director Christelyn Caceres said the families left behind by overseas workers who died these past months while at work are the beneficiaries.
Caceres also highlighted that the deceased OFWs were all active members of OWWA by the time of their death. They died of illnesses or accidents, reported Philippine News Agency.
The eight families are eligible for the livelihood assistance worth PHP15,000 each under OWWA’s Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). This includes starter kits for sari-sari store ventures and its initial merchandise and tools.
Earlier, the beneficiaries attended a one-day training course on business enterprise development and management sponsored by the agency. The training focused on how to start a business and financial literacy.
“This is to ensure the sustainability of their chosen enterprises,” Caceres said.
The recipients are also set to receive educational assistance as part of ELAP.
Under the program, the members of the family of the deceased OFWs will get an annual scholarship assistance of of PHP5,000 for elementary, PHP8,000 for high school, and PHP10,000 for college.
ELAP is an OWWA program that intends to “support, strengthen, and improve the lives” of the families left behind by their deceased family member working abroad.
