The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are requesting an additional P1.1 Billion funds in the Congress for 2018 for those Overseas Filipino Workers(OFW), who are coming back to the Philippines due to the tensions that formed in Qatar, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced at the bicameral conference committee meeting on Thursday at Kamara de Representantes in relation to the dole funds they are doing under the 2018 General Appropriation Act.According to Bello on the reporters,
"You are aware of the situation in Qatar in relation with their diplomatic relations with the Middle East countries and also in the case of Lebanon and in Saudi [Arabia]. Our labor attache there needs some contingency plans which may have to be implemented in case the situation worsens."Bello added that
"Pero right now, hindi pa naman kritical kung hindi mayroon lang cause to prepare for this plan,"
According to Bello, a total of 240,000 OFWs are in Qatar today. An additional P200 to 300 million will be allocated to reintegration program, while the P850 million funds will be used for expenses only if repatriation is required. As stated by Bello, he said that
"If you bring them back, we cannot afford to leave them unassisted. So we will have to provide them with initial financial assistance and then also livelihood."
Bello added that
"Kung hindi naman [umuwi], kagaya ng our experience sa Saudi, marami sa kanila opted to stay notwithstanding the situation. Pero we have to prepare for that eventuality."Bello is hoping that the Senador of Kamara will give be given the additional funds as Bello request. Bello said,
"Hindi sila umo-oo, pero hindi rin naman sila himi-hindi. So may pag-asa."They will just rely on agency funds or ask for assistance in the Office of the President, only if the Congress will not grant their wish. What can you say about this? Share your thoughts and reactions to us.
Loading...
