The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) in Region 2 has been doing a lot of help repatriated undocumented and maltreated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in their jurisdiction, particularly through their Livelihood Development Assistance Program (LDAP).
Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr., Regional Director of DOLE, said “OFWs contribute much to the status of the nation’s economy; hence, they deserve to be given such assistance once they get back to our country for good.”
For example, Sharon Rose Calidgid, an undocumented and maltreated domestic helper who was formerly employed has received a livelihood assistance amounting in the form of a starter kit worth Php 10,000. She used it to establish her own canteen business.
Calidgid said she was referred by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Lebanon. She shared that she had to stay for 2 months in the Philippine embassy where she received “hot and cold food” training while her papers were being processed.
Calidgid, of course, feels thankful for the aid. “I am grateful as these can help build-up my small business.”
“Kung may opportunity sa Pilipinas, mas okay na mag-stay na lang sa bansa pero kung gusto mo talagang mag-abroad, dapat buo ang loob mo at dapat dumaan sa legal na proseso,” she told Filipinos who may be contemplating about working overseas.
Meanwhile, Glenn Lara, another undocumented OFW who used to work as a factory worker in Korea was sent back to the country because of overstaying for 4 years and 10 months. He received the same kit for his eatery which he called ‘3 kids sizzling and rice corner’.
Lara used to run a small canteen near a university in Tuguegarao but was eventually left without a choice but to close shop after experiencing financial struggles Fortunately, he heard about the DOLE NRCO program for a puto supplier who was likewise granted a livelihood assistance.
“We offer affordable foods especially to the students because our aim, aside from sustaining the canteen, is to multiply help to other people the same way as we received before,” remarked Lara.
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The LDAP specifically targets undocumented or maltreated OFWs who have already returned to the country. Qualified beneficiaries will be eligible to a business enterprise start-up kit worth Php 10,000 each consisting of materials they need for their proposed business. OFW-beneficiaries of the program will be required to complete the Entrepreneurship Development Training.
Entrepreneurship Development Training.
For more information about the program, interested parties may go to the visit the DOLE Regional Office No. 2 at the Regional Government Center, Carig Sur or get in touch with Sheilanee Mamuric at 09757003746.