Families of 2 OFWs who died in PH get benefits

The families of two overseas Filipino workers who died while vacationing in the Philippines will still receive compensation from the government, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

In a statement, OWWA said the families of Anselmo Ramos Cayabyab and Oscar Briotonel Ilagan will each receive death and burial benefits amounting to P220,000 as the cause of their deaths was accidental.

Cayabyab, who worked in Papua New Guinea, was killed in a vehicular accident while on his way to a family picnic in San Fabian, Pangasinan.

Ilagan, on the other hand, worked as a factory worker in Athens, Greece, and was stabbed to death while sleeping in his home in Batangas.

Both OFWs were active members of OWWA.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz instructed OWWA to help the families cope with their relatives’ death and to facilitate the release of their OWWA benefits.

Apart from the P220,000 death and burial benefits, the heirs of active OWWA members are also eligible for the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program where the surviving spouse receives a P15,000 livelihood package. The member’s first-born child is extended educational assistance until he or she finishes college.

OWWA regional offices also provide psychosocial counseling to the families of deceased workers.

OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado reiterated her reminder to OFWs to renew their OWWA membership in order to have social protection while they are active overseas workers.

“By being an OWWA member, you don’t just have access to what the agency has to offer to OFWs, but you and your families are also protected, especially during stressful situations,” Calzado said.–Tina G. Santos