Antique: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has disbursed a total of PHP300,000 to 17 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Antique province, aimed at enabling them to initiate livelihood projects within the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, the aid was released to distressed OFWs and those who have chosen to permanently reside in the province, as confirmed by Antique Provincial Planning and Development Officer Bienvenido Nallos Jr. during an interview on Friday. The distribution of checks to the recipients was carried out on Thursday at the new provincial capitol by OWWA Deputy Administrator Ryan Vincent Uy, Regional Director James Mendiola, and Antique Governor Paolo Javier.

Among the beneficiaries was the family of Rona Jean Gervoso, who tragically lost her life in Lebanon. The family received PHP40,000 as supplementary assistance from the national government agency, in addition to an initial PHP100,000 provided by OWWA on June 12.

The remaining 16 OFWs were granted financial aid ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP25,000 each, under the OWWA initiatives "Balik-Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay!" and the Welfare Assistance Program. Nallos highlighted the significance of this support, stating, "The assistance to the OFWs in Antique is a great help to them since they could use it as their capital for their businesses or to buy medicines."

In a related update, Nallos informed that Gervoso's funeral is scheduled for June 27 at Sibalom Public Cemetery. Her remains were transported to Barangay Esperanza in Sibalom from Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte on June 16.