The Provincial Government of Pangasinan through the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) distributed financial assistance to the 25 displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in San Carlos City on April 28.
This program is also part of the Abig Pangasinan program socio-economic recovery program of Governor Amado I. Espino III that aims to help Pangasinense to start again while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ang proyektong ito na pinangungunahan ng ating Gobernador Amado I. Espino III na tulong pangkabuhayan para sa OFW ay isa sa mga paraan po nya para kayo po ay matulungan, dahil alam po ni Governor Pogi kung gaano kahirap ang pagiging isang OFW. Ngunit sa kabila ng ito, kayo po ay nagsumikap at nagtiyaga sa pagtatrabaho, sa dami po ng mga OFW na pinauwi sa ating bansa dahil sa COVID-19 virus kayong naririto ay napakaswerte sa mga napili para sa oportunidad na ito”, said Dr. Shiela F. Baniqued who represented Board Member Angel Baniqued, Jr.
The 25 OFWs of San Carlos City received P5,000 each as a start-up capital for their livelihood.
Beneficiaries who are evaluated by local migrant desk officers and OFW family organizations are chosen according to three qualifications: cause of repatriation, number of months or years the OFW worked abroad, economic situation of the displaced OFW.
“Nagpapasalamat ang buong LGU ng San Carlos City para sa programang ito na tulong pangkabuhayan sa ofw na proyekto ni Governor Amado I. Espino III na nakarating sa ating bayan, sa dami ng ibang munisipalidad sa Pangasinan, tayo po ay napakapalad dahil hindi po tayo pinababayaan ng ating gobernador”, said Jhuliano G. Nazareno who represented San Carlos City Mayor Julier C. Resuello.
LGU-San Carlos City also gave thanks to the Provincial Government for the livelihood program which is a huge support to its citizens, especially to OFWs who were given a start-up capital.
Joining the ceremony were: LGU-San Carlos City PESO Manager and Migrant Officer Reynaldo Dela Cruz, LGU-San Carlos City OFW President Pastor Frecer Agpoon, Provincial PESO Migrant Desk Officer Christopher Dioquino, PESO staff and some provincial staff.
Provincial Population Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) led the Basic Financial Management Seminar to guide the beneficiaries to grow their investment.
All component cities and municipalities of Pangasinan will receive the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa OFW project of the Provincial Government. /Catherina Ina N. Ventura