DOLE-AKAP Program grants aid to OFWs affected by COVID-19

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has implemented a financial assistance for affected Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) due to COVID-19 under DOLE-Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (DOLE-AKAP) Program.

As of May 3, 2020, DOLE Region 6 and OWWA Regional Welfare Office 6 has received 13,931 applications and also was able to released a total amount of Php 9,710,000.00 to 971 displaced OFWs in Western Visayas through Palawan Remittance Center since its implementation last April 13, 2020.

DOLE-AKAP is a one-time special cash assistance amounting to Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) to displaced land-based and sea-based (regular/ documented OFWs), Balik Manggawa (BM) and Qualified Undocumented OFWs who have experienced job displacement.

The program aims to aid the displaced OFWs throughout the quarantine/ lockdown period due to COVID-19 and to cushion the adverse economic impacts of losing or experiencing disruption on employment abroad.

Observing the Stringent Social Distancing Measures, displaced OFWs shall file their applications together with all the required documents through the online platform, www.dole-akap.owwa.gov.ph.