DFA urges OFWs to claim cash aid

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFW) affected by the runway closure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to claim the P5,000 cash assistance from the government. 

The DFA said cash assistance claims will only be accepted until Aug. 31 at the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs at the third floor of the DFA Building in Pasay City. 

OFWs who have already left the country may apply for their claims at the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate until Sept. 30. 

“OFWs claiming financial assistance are required to personally appear and submit their airline ticket showing original date of departure; reissued ticket showing new date of departure; Employment Contract; and Overseas Employment Certificate,” said the agency. 

As of Friday, the DFA said 962 stranded OFWs received the cash assistance, amounting to a total of P4.8 million. 

Thousands of passengers were affected after a Xiamen Air plane skidded off NAIA’s runway on Aug. 16. The mishap also paralyzed operations at the NAIA for 36 hours.