“If we are under lockdown, we don’t work, and there are banks which are not open. So paano sila mapadalhan ng pera (So how can we send money to our families?) So maybe if the Philippine government can also include them in your tulong (assistance), then that would alleviate our worries.”
These were the words of Zenaida Villanos Baro, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Italy during the Laging Handa Public Briefing. Aside from their personal experiences now that Italy is being challenged by the COVID-19 crisis, OFWs in the European country are now faced with worries, especially concerning their families in the Philippines.
They are hoping the Philippine government will help their kin.
“Kung mayroon po tayong tulong, mas maganda po na make sure na ‘yung pamilyang naiwan po ng OFW sa Italy ay matulungan po para mapalagay rin po ‘yung loob namin dito (If we have assistance, it would ease our minds if you make sure the families of OFWs in Italy are given assistance in the Philippines),” Rome Billy Ray Costales, an OFW in Rome,
shared.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said they are aware of the requests of the OFWs and are now focusing on the matter.
“Habang kami ay nandito, nag-uusap na po ‘yung Department of Foreign Affairs, kasama na rin po ang DOLE at OWWA, para sa programang pwedeng ibigay sa inyo, hindi lang po dito sa Pilipinas, kundi pati po diyan sa Italya (While we are here, the Department of Foreign Affairs is now coordinating with the DOLE and OWWA for the programs to be provided for you, not only in the Philippines but also in Italy),” DFA USec. Brigido Dulay assured.
Meanwhile, the administration expressed readiness in giving assistance to Filipinos in Italy, including possible repatriation.
“If they want repatriation, we can bring them back. Depends on them,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.
In a separate statement, Senator Christopher Go supported Panelo’s claim, and assured Filipinos who want to return
to the country are welcome.
“Ang stand po ng ating Pangulo ay tanggapin niya ang mga Pilipino na gustong umuwi, dahil kung pati sa sariling bansa nila ay ayaw sila tanggapin, saan pa sila pupunta?(The stand of the President is to accept Filipinos who want to return home because if their own country rejects them, where else
will they go?) Go said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
