We at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), sympathize with the relatives of the late OFW Roberto E. Panganiban. However, the medical assistance program for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was transferred to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth since March 2005.
Among other programs and services, OWWA provides to OFWs disability/dismemberment, life insurance and burial benefits. The life insurance and burial benefits, to which OFW Panganiban is entitled as an OWWA member, have already been facilitated. On top of this entitlement, OWWA also provided financial assistance to his family while he was ill
We are in the process of reviewing the package of services to the member-OFWs to be more responsive to their needs.
We take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the feedback that OWWA receives from our clients and social partners. They aid the agency in improving its operations and services for OFWs and their families.
Marianito D. Roque,
Administrator, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
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Mr. Roque did not mention how much life insurance, burial benefits and financial assistance were given to the Panganiban family. Mr. Roque should qualify his statement, i.e., P10,000 for the burial, P50,000 for life insurance, etc so that concerned OFWs are well informed.
I am glad OWWA takes seriously the feedbacks they received from OFWs. However, I don't see any improvement to its operations, particularly its services to OFWs, especially the families.
Taken for granted pa rin ang pakiramdam ng nakararami sa ating mga OFWs as far as treatment by OWWA personnel is concerned.
?We are in the process of reviewing the package of services to the member-OFWs to be more responsive to their needs.?
What package is Mr. Roque is talking about? The OWWA Omnibus policies were changed to reflect the interest of the present administration, not the interest of the OFWs. I am afraid that any change will again be to the disadvantage of the OFW.
Can Mr. Roque be more specific? His response is generalized and you can find nothing concrete in any of his statement, kundi man kabulaanan.
Mabuhay kayong lahat.
Fred Base
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia