The Pampanga Action Center for Overseas Filipino Workers Concerns (PACOC) recently facilitated the repatriation of the remains of three OFWs who died in three separate incidents in Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The remains of Joseph Gaudencio S. Canilao, a native of Masantol town who died in a vehicular accident in Kuwait last January 12 was repatriated and brought to his residence in barangay San Isidro in San Simon last February 1.
Michael M. Roque, another OFW from barangay Sta. Cruz in Lubao who died in a trailer accident while on official duty in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last December 21 was brought home on January 27.
Ronaldo L.Bondoc’s remains, another OFW from Barangay Lagundi, Mexico who died due to heart attack in Gizan also in Saudi Arabia last October 7,were repatriated last February 4.
Karen Dale, PACOC administrative assistant III, made this report as she stated that the action center is in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) headed by Regional Director Socorro Castro.
She acknowledged that the speedy repatriation of Canilao’s remains was made possible through the efforts of concerned government agencies and the utmost cooperation of his employers.
“His remains were repatriated in less than one month only,” Dale said.
At present, Dale explained that the action center follows-up the provision of benefits due the departed OFWs from the OWWA.
Governor Lilia .Pineda, according to PACOC Head Maria Eliza Rey M. Muñoz, provided financial assistance to the families of the deceased OFWs.
She added that the provincial government, through the PACOC, sent its formal condolences to the bereaved families of the three dead OFWs.
Earlier, the action center also facilitated the repatriation of two OFWS from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to their hometown in Lubao town.
To date, PACOC presently attends to various requests for assistance such as homesick OFW, missing husband, abusive employer, benefit claims, detained workers, illegal termination, unpaid salaries, business investments and other cases related to OFW concern.
Muñoz explained that the action center was established by Governor Pineda late last year to provide immediate and direct assistance and service to needy Kapampangans who work abroad. (Pampanga PIO)
