The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has released about PHP1.48 million in livelihood assistance to families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Soccsksargen and in parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces.
Christelyn Caceres, OWWA-12 acting director, said the assistance was released in the form of livelihood starter kits through four accredited OFW Family Circles in the area.
Caceres said the grants were in line with the rollout in Soccsksargen of the OWWA Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs or Tulong PUSO.
The Old Poblacion OFW Family Association of Maitum, Sarangani, the region’s first-ever beneficiary, received a grant worth PHP488,366.
The Kawas OFW Family Association of Alabel, Sarangani received PHP488,366 worth of assistance while the Sumbakil OFW Family Circle Association of Polomolok, South Cotabato, and Magandang Gensan OFW Family Association, got PHP258,407 and PHP249,860, respectively.
Caceres said the Old Poblacion, Kawas and Sumbakil OFW Family Associations received materials and inputs for the development and expansion of their merchandise retailing ventures while the Magandang Gensan OFW Family Association received assistance for its rice retailing business.
“The assistance was based on the proposals they submitted and were eventually approved for funding,” she said.
Tulong PUSO Program is a one-time grant assistance of OWWA in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs, and other support services that aim to support the formation, enhancement, or restoration of livelihood projects or undertakings of eligible OFW Family Circles.
Caceres said it aims to capacitate the families of OFWs as they venture into livelihood undertaking through the conduct of enterprise development training and other social preparation interventions.
She said eligible family circles may engage in projects in line with agribusiness, health and wellness, eco-tourism, manufacturing, small transport, and wholesale and retail trade.
They may also venture into local-based industries, as indicated in the local development plans and the Department of Trade and Industry’s priority products, such as coffee, coco-coir, cacao, rubber, and support to tourism, she said.
Caceres added that 10 other DOLE-accredited OFW Family Circles in the region are set to receive livelihood grants under the program.
