Guidelines out on Phil. govt aid to Fil. workers affected by pandemic

Glicerio “Eli” Arago

Filipino workers in the CNMI who are adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic may now avail of financial assistance from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment, according to the Philippine Honorary Consulate Mission-CNMI yesterday.

In quoting the newly released Philippine Labor Department’s order, Philippine honorary consul to the CNMI Glicerio “Eli” Arago said that qualified Filipino workers, usually referred to as OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) can avail of the $200 financial assistance if they meet the eligibility requirements based on the newly promulgated guidelines.

Arago received the information from the Philippine Consulate General Office of Agana, Guam yesterday about this aid program that potentially covers thousands of OFWs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

According to Arago, OFWs must apply online for the financial assistance and are required to complete the online application form and submit the supporting documents directly to the website and or social media account of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washington, D.C.

All OFWs in the CNMI must access the following online/website account: www.facebook.com/POLO-Washington-DC-1730811803835481 and/or directly contact the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Washington, D.C. through the email address wdc.doleakap@gmail.com or by calling +1 (202) 467-9425.

The Philippine Honorary Consulate Mission-CNMI emphasized that all online applications are subject to evaluation and approval. Release of payment will be made through money transfer or cash remittance.

Based on the Philippine Labor Department’s prescribing provision for the financial assistance, OFWs who are covered or qualified for financial assistance includes both documented and undocumented alien workers.

The Philippine Labor Department identifies the following coverage for OFWs to avail of the $200 financial assistance:

Regular/Documented OFW, as defined in the 2016 Revised POEA Rules and Regulations refers to those:

who possesses a valid passport and appropriate visa or permit to stay and work in the receiving country; and

whose contract of employment has been processed by the POEA or the POLO

Qualified Undocumented OFW

who were originally regular or documented workers but for some reason or cause have thereafter lost their regular or documented status;

who are not registered with the POEA or whose contract were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but have undertaken actions to regularize their contracts or status; or

who are not registered with the POEA or whose contracted were not processed by POEA or the POLO, but are active OWWA members at the time of availment.

Balik-Manggagawa who are unable to return to their host country in view of the host country’s lockdown due to COVID19.

In quoting the DOLE Department Order 212 Series of 2020, Arago said those eligible are: 1) Those who have experienced job displacement due to the receiving country’s imposition of lockdown or community quarantine or having been infected by the diseases; 2) must be still at overseas jobsites or in the Philippines as balik-manggagawa, or already repatriated to the Philippines, and 3) must not receive any financial support/ assistance from the receiving countries/ employers. (Philippine Honorary Consulate-CNMI)