Relief packs distributed to laid off and furloughed CWs

At least 60 furloughed or laid off foreign workers are given food packs through a relief project organized by “Friends of CWs” last Friday at the Micro Beach Pavilion in Garapan. The next batch of distribution is on May 9, Saturday. (IVA MAURIN)

To alleviate some of the hardships being experienced by foreign workers who have been laid off or furloughed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a newly-formed group called Friends of the CWs held the first of what is being eyed as a series of relief distributions last May 1, Friday, at the Micro Beach Pavillon in Garapan.

Irene Holl, who initiated the project, said the drive is mainly intended to help displaced CWs—foreign workers with CNMI work visas called CW—who are not eligible to obtain food stamps, which are for U.S. citizens only.

“We are praying for you and please pray for us too, that you can touch lives so people can open their mind and help. We’re praying for you. Stay safe. This too shall pass. We will be together in this. We are one in this. Our thoughts and our prayers are always with you,” Holl said, as a message to the CWs.

At least 60 households were given relief packs last Friday. CWs who want to avail have to register to be given a scheduled date of distribution, where they would need to present an ID and their CW permits.

“Everybody is affected. Priority-wise, we look at CW-1s who are affected—their company is closed, they have no source of income, [and] they have no access to food stamp. We are trying our best to accommodate all, but we have to prioritize, because others really [have] totally zero [income],” one of the volunteers, Alma Basilgo, said.

The first batch of donations were all from personal donors, except for two companies, Budget Micronesia and Bridge Capital. Volunteers also came to help with repacking and distribution.

“There are two groups, the donors and the volunteers. Many of them [donors] would want to remain anonymous. …Many also came out and openly donated…and we have donations and items that we will distribute next week,” Basilgo said.

The second batch of distribution is on Saturday, May 9. Registration for the third batch of distribution is also already filled up.

“If there will be available slots after the screening of the registered CW holders, we will call those who met the qualifications criteria. However, if there will be no more slots available for second and third batches, please wait for the opening of registration for the fourth batch to be posted on the Facebook page, ‘Friends of CWs,’” Basilgo added.