The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 intensified the implementation of Assist WELL Program by setting up the Assist WELL Processing Center in its Regional Office in Iloilo City, as well as in the field offices in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras and Negros Occidental, to make sure that returning or repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) get the assistance they badly needed upon their return to the country.
The Region also organized the Assist WELL Processing Center Management Committee to ensure a synchronized and systematic delivery of assistance to distressed OFWs so as to immediately address their pressing needs and concerns.
The Assist WELL Program is a package of assistance which aims to address the Welfare, Employment, Legal and Livelihood needs of repatriated or returning OFWs.
The welfare assistance comprises airport assistance, temporary shelter/accommodation, transport assistance to residence, emergency medical assistance and stress debriefing, while employment assistance covers job placement/referral for local and overseas, as well as competency assessment.
The livelihood assistance covers entrepreneurial development training, livelihood skills training, hands-on business mentoring and support, and business loan assistance.
The Legal assistance, on the other hand, includes the provision of counseling services, assistance in the preparation and filing of complaints against employers and local agencies if affected OFWs are victims of illegal recruitment, recruitment violation and disciplinary action cases.
From March 1 to date, five repatriated OFWs from Lebanon, Kuwait, Syrian Arab Republic, and Qatar have availed of the Center’s assistance.
DOLE 6 Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom encourages returning or repatriated OFWs to visit the nearest DOLE Assist WELL Program Processing Center for more details and avail of this package of assistance. [Photo credits: Rappler.com]
