136,509 OFWs sent home – DOLE

MANILA, Philippines — At least 136,509 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic have been sent to their provinces.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said 2,667 OFWs returned to their provinces on Tuesday after they tested negative for COVID-19.

More than 400 OFWs were infected based on test results released on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said 11,566 OFWs have tested positive for the virus while 189, 570 yielded negative results.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has been providing accommodation, food and transportation aside from swab testing to returning OFWs.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said P10,000 in cash assistance were also provided to affected OFWs, including those who remain abroad due to travel restrictions.

Bello said an additional P5 billion funding would help sustain government efforts on OFW repatriation and assistance.

He said the DOLE is also working to provide alternative employment to affected OFWs.