OFWs Asked: Boost Repatriation Funding
By CHARISSA M. LUCI
June 15, 2012, 7:04pm
MANILA, Philippines --- A Manila lawmaker is appealing to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to contribute at least $50 to sustain the government’s emergency repatriation fund.
Seeking to amend the Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David asked the OFWs to assist their distressed compatriots by contributing such amount to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund.
“The bill intends to provide the necessary measures for the government to carry out its responsibilities to assist distressed OFWs in cases of war, epidemic, disaster or calamities, natural or man-made, and other similar events, and promote their general welfare,” she said in filing House Bill 6195.
She said there is a need to augment the initial R1-million Emergency Repatriation Fund, which is provided under RA 8042 to assist the snowballing number of distressed Filipinos abroad.
The law provides that the OWWA administers, controls and supervises the fund.
“There are millions of OFWs all over the world which the Philippine government is mandated to protect and safeguard under RA 8042 but it seems incapable to efficiently help distressed OFWs due to financial constraints,” Bonoan-David said.
Under HB 6195, distressed OFWs can be repatriated during wars, epidemics, disasters or calamities, natural or man-made, and other similar events. The measure also calls for the establishment of an up-to-date database and locator system of OFWs necessary for their repatriation. It also seeks the implementation of necessary disaster preparedness and mitigation measures to ensure the safety of OFWs.
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Siguro lahat ng Congressman at Party Lists/Senators kahit mag ambag ambag hng 1M each..pwede na dagdag pa na may budget naman ata para dito...











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