BALANGA CITY — Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for cash assistance.
DOLE AKAP is intended for OFWs who were not able to leave the Philippines due to the restrictions imposed by different countries. It offers financial assistance amounting to PhP10,000 per OFW.
“We have already assisted 26,572 OFWs that is equivalent to PhP265.72 million under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and Bayanihan to Recover As One Act funds. We are set to disburse to 4,090 more,” DOLE Regional Director Maria Zenaida Angara-Campita disclosed.
OFWs may apply online through dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph. Application will be evaluated by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
Requirements for application include copy of valid passport or travel document; copy of flight ticket or boarding pass evidencing return to the Philippines or arrival stamp/sticker attached in the passport; proof of overseas employment such as valid verified overseas employment, OEC, residence ID, visa/re-entry visa or permit to stay in the receiving country; and proof of loss of employment due to the COVID19 pandemic.
For qualified undocumented worker, they must present proof that he/she and the employer have undertaken the necessary documentation to regularize her stay in the host country such as copies of employment contract, payslip, work visa, or other proof of employment.
Apart from AKAP, DOLE has two other programs for displaced private sector workers in the country namely the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.