For the second time since its establishment, the Pampanga Action Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Concerns (PACOC) was able to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of an OFW from Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to his residence in Lubao town.
This was reported by PACOC Head Maria Eliza Rey M. Muñoz as she added that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the family of the deceased OFW provided the necessary assistance and cooperation to facilitate the process.
Muñoz also disclosed that Governor Lilia G. Pineda provided P5,000.00 financial assistance to the family of Rommel L. Bermillo, the deceased OFW, who worked as laborer in Riyadh.
“In addition, the Governor also committed to shoulder the P35,000.00 funeral expenses of Bermillo,” Muñoz said.
She said that Bermillo’s wife Arlyn, sought the assistance of PACOC last December 1 for the immediate repatriation of the remains of her husband; Bermillo’s body arrived in the country last January 23
Earlier, the PACOC was also able to facilitate the repatriation of the remains of Erwin Ramos, another OFW from barangay Sto. Tomas, Lubao, who died in a vehicular accident in Riyadh last June 13.
“The Governor gave P10,000 financial assistance to the family of Ramos whose remains was repatriated last November 2,” Muñoz said.
The PACOC head explained that the center was established through the initiative of Governor Pineda in her desire to provide immediate and direct assistance and services to needy OFWs in the province.
Since its creation, the said action center has been playing an active role in ensuring the safety and welfare of an estimated 100,000 Capampangan OFWs from their recruitment, departure, arrival and actual employment abroad.
“The Governor had been contemplating to put up the said action center since she was the mayor of Lubao town as she firmly believes that the local government units play an important role in monitoring and looking after the welfare of OFWs and their families.”
Last year, the Governor, together with Congresswoman Gloria M. Arroyo, even visited the work sites of Capampangan OFWs in Korea to personally ensure their safety and well-being.
Based on the report of PACOC Staff Karen Dale, the office has, to date, received 38 cases of various requests for assistance and services from OFWs and their families.
Aside from repatriation of remains of deceased OFWs, the requests also include assistance for homesick worker, missing husband, abusive employer, benefit claims, financial assistance, detained workers, illegal termination, unpaid salaries, business investment, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and passport applications, Dale stated.
The action center is located at the former Pampanga Malward Center (PMC) behind the Provincial Health Office (PHO) at the Capitol compound in the City of San Fernando. (Pampanga PIO)
