MANILA, Philippines — During a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing, Rep. Brian Poe called for more effective mobilization of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) trust fund, which has grown to a record ₱21.3 billion.
Poe highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of financial assistance currently provided to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing crises abroad. He noted that reports of assistance amounting to approximately AED 700 are insufficient for workers who must choose between waiting for employment to resume or applying for new visas in other regions like Saudi Arabia.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac clarified that the current “pantawid” assistance is sourced from the separate Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Action Fund. Meanwhile, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan reported that the OWWA trust fund specifically reached ₱21.6 billion this month and is used exclusively for member programs, such as the “Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay” reintegration initiative.
Rep. Poe emphasized the need for greater transparency and communication to ensure OFWs are aware of the resources available to them. “I want to let our patriots abroad know that there are funds available for them and we are getting those funds to them,” Poe stated. He also underscored the importance of quickly addressing misinformation regarding government support for migrant workers.