CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — President Rodrigo R. Duterte graced Thursday the Pamaskong Salubong Para sa OFW of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at Clark International Airport.
A total of 39 OFWs out of more than 200 Filipino workers who arrived from Qatar Thursday afternoon were pre-selected to receive cash gifts and other surprises from OWWA.
“So I represent the Filipino nation in thanking you for your sacrifice and for helping us keeping the gross domestic product. Malaking share ‘yan. Gross domestic product is simply income. Income of government ang ibig sabihin niyan. Part of the government’s income comes from the toil and sweat of OFWs,” Duterte said.
To show the government’s gratitude for their sacrifices, the Chief Executive offered assistance to returning OFWs who would want to start a business or work in the country.
He added that the country will need more workers in the construction sector with several projects in the pipeline under the administration’s Build, Build, Build program.
He noted that the Department of Trade and Industry is also helping small and medium enterprises start a business or market their products.
Among those who received iDOLE cards were David Dionisio, Mellie Ramirez, Rodylyn Morada and Carlo Redoble.
Eight OFWs, on the other hand, received Php50,000 cash gift from OWWA namely Jerson Villamero Zamora, Felix Sbrigo Bambilla, Carlo Dalaguit Redoble, Alan Javalde Gonzaga, Ronald Panahon Ballicud, Judith Soto Gonzaga, Fatima Venancio Bibangon, and Wellnor Gonzaga Zamora.
Moreover, Php10,000 worth of appliances were each given to Grace Lyn Jimenez Colot, Marlondino Olarte Bambilla, Diosdado Gonzaga Laylay Jr., Joy Pinero Militante, Allan Manliquez Militante, Jocelyn Militante Labajo, Joy Manliquez Dalagon, and Prisco Villamero Zamora Jr.
Five repatriated OFWs also received Php3,000 worth of appliances. They were Gerlie Gonzaga Laylay, Lowelyn Militante Gonzaga, William Sabado, Manolo Mediavillo, and Rey Chua Jr.
Special gifts were also given to Julie Rose Mediavillo, Eller Ocampo, Eric Bacolod Delos Reyes, Nelson Dumantay and Fely Dumantay. (CLJD-PIA 3)Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu