OWWA releases almost P12.2M livelihood support fund to OFWs
A total of 279 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Western Visayas have availed of the Filipino Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund (FELSF) being managed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Data from the OWWA 6 show that some P12.19 million was released to assist OFWs in coming up with livelihood projects.
Most of these projects are on rice trading, piggery, sari-sari store and meat processing.
The FELSF was conceptualized during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as one of the safety nets for displaced OFWs amid the global economic crisis.
Under the program, an OFW is entitled to borrow a maximum of P50,000 to start a livelihood project. It is payable for over 24 months with an interest of five percent per annum and a grace period of 80 days.
Before an OFW can be released an amount, however, the borrower is required to attend the free business course on the production and management of livelihood projects with the Department of Trade and Industry
Reintegration Fair
Meanwhile, the OWWA is expecting to gather around 1,500 OFWs and their families during the two-day national reintegration fair on December 10 and 11.
OWWA 6 Regional Director Samuel Madrid said the national event will be held only in five selected areas in the country with international airports.
These include the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Davao Region and Western Visayas.
He said the affair will serve as venue to provide integration options to OFW returnees and their families and increase their awareness of the program.
In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) National Reintegration Central Office (NRCO), the event also aims to extend marketing assistance to OFWs and their immediate families.
Participants can avail of business counseling for starters and advice on enhancing their existing business or on how to identify business options.
There will also be an exhibit of the various livelihood products of the program beneficiaries of the NRCO, DOLE and OWWA.
Other services include processing of applications for skills training, upgrading and retooling and issuance of certificates by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) for the purpose of retraining.
Participating agencies will also provide referral letters for overseas and local employment.
There will also be booths of service providers offering services to OFW returnees and their families.*PNA
