Overseas workers affected by the economic fallout of COVID-19 have been calling the Philippine embassies and consulates to ask about the promised US$200 social amelioration program from the government.
It’s been 12 days since the Department of Labor and Employment announced that overseas Filipino workers whose employment was affected by the pandemic will be given a one-time P10,000 assistance.
“To avail of the program, OFWs must submit their certificate of employment issued by their agencies. Their application will be evaluated and processed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
OFWs are advised to get in touch with POLO in their host country if they are based abroad or visit the nearest (OWWA) regional office if they are currently in the Philippines,” DOLE advisory said post March 25.
However, hotlines of Philippine embassies and consulates are flooded with queries about the availability of this fund.
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi posted in its advisory that the funds are not yet ready.
“Naghihintay pa po ang Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) sa Abu Dhabi at Dubai ng mga guidelines tungkol sa financial assistance para sa naapektuhan ng COVID19. Kapag natanggap na ang guidelines, agad-agad po naming ipararating sa lahat kung sino ang qualified na mabigyan ng financial assistance na ito,” the Embassy said.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia likewise gave a stand-alone advisory:
“Notice: Sa lahat po ng nagtatanong tungkol sa financial assistance, please be informed that POLO ERO is still waiting for the guidelines. We will announce officially when it is available. Thank you. Please keep safe!”