By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
OVERSEAS Filipino Workers on Saipan and Tinian affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku received $100 in cash assistance from the Philippine government, delivered through the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The distribution, originally scheduled from May 26 to May 29 at the Beach Garden Hotel in Garapan, was extended through May 30 to accommodate remaining pre-registered workers.
Labor Attaché Saul T. De Vries, based at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., said the financial assistance was released after MWO and OWWA requested emergency funding following Typhoon Sinlaku’s impact on the CNMI.
“This is cash assistance for those affected by Typhoon Sinlaku,” De Vries said. “When we heard about the typhoon, we immediately requested funding so we could assist our ‘kababayans’ here in the CNMI.”
Each eligible OFW is receiving $100, he confirmed.
De Vries said around 1,600 OFWs had registered for assistance as of Friday, and the number was expected to reach 2,000 beneficiaries before available funds were fully disbursed.
Pre-registered OFWs prioritized
The labor team prioritized OFWs who pre-registered online, a system De Vries said was necessary to maintain order and ensure accurate budgeting.
“During the first day, we accepted walk-ins, but it created some confusion,” he said. “To be fair to those who already registered, we decided to prioritize them so we can determine how much we can still allocate to those who did not register.”
Community concerns acknowledged
Some Filipino residents have questioned why the assistance excludes green-card holders and other long-term Filipino residents affected by the typhoon.
De Vries said the limitation is mandated by law.
“We understand the sentiment of our fellow countrymen,” he said. “But the mandate of the Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA is to address the needs of OFWs. We cannot provide assistance to green card holders, although we know they are also affected.”
He added that other Philippine government agencies — such as the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Consulate General in Guam — may offer separate assistance for non-OFW Filipinos.
Mission continues until funds are exhausted
De Vries said the team will continue distributing aid “until the last available budget” and is prepared to request additional funding if needed.
“I know the assistance is limited, but that is how it is,” he said. “Our government wants to assure you that you will not be left behind.”
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
