Negros Oriental: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) turned over cash assistance to seven overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Negros Oriental and Siquijor during the Independence Day job fair at a mall here on Thursday. Mary Chris Relon, chief labor employment officer of the Migrant Workers Processing Division of DMW-Central Visayas (Region 7), told reporters that originally, 10 beneficiaries were identified to receive their assistance but three of them failed to attend the event.

According to Philippines News Agency, the financial assistance varied in amount, ranging from PHP50,000 to PHP100,000, based on the needs of the beneficiaries, Relon said. The DMW will contact those who did not show up so their assistance could be delivered, she added. Relon stated that the DMW aims "to provide economic benefits to returning and distressed OFWs, (including) those who have medical problems, burial assistance, and livelihood assistance."

She urged OFWs in need of government assistance to visit their regional office in Cebu City, while the Negros Island Region is setting up its own office. Sheena Lace Oguis, 32, who hails from Siquijor, shared her story as a former OFW in Saudi Arabia for seven months. She returned to the country due to health concerns and expressed gratitude to the government and the DMW for providing her with medical assistance amounting to PHP75,000.

Meanwhile, Relon said their role during the job fair is to check "if our overseas recruitment agencies have the necessary licenses to conduct recruitment activities." At least five overseas placement companies are participating in the job fair.