The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in collaboration with the provincial government of Negros Occidental celebrated 2021 Migrant Workers Day at the Capitol Social Hall yesterday morning.

A total of 35 Negrense overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were given financial assistance worth P20,000 each under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program and Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program.

The OFWs also received gift packs from OWWA and from Voice of the Free Foundation, respectively.

In his message, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said, “Our OFWs range from health workers to service providers all over the world; the Filipino migrant workers have become worldwide frontliners in this pandemic.”

Lacson said the provincial government acknowledges the contribution of migrant workers to the economy and honor their sacrifices.

“Right now, we have thousands of distressed migrant workers all over the world; thousands are losing jobs abroad and are stranded. COVID-19 exposed anew the inequalities among societies and countries, thus the call for global solidarity in handling the difficulties and complications faced by migrant workers all over the world,” the governor said.

He added that he also understands that times are hard, but he is also a believer of the indomitable Negrense spirit, and hopes that the reintegration and livelihood undertaking for self-employment give migrant workers a fresh start.

Also present during the activity were Salvacion Barrios, president of the OFW-Negros Occidental Federation, Inc.; Rizza Joy Moldes, OIC OWWA Region VI; Marie June Castro, Executive Assistant to the Governor; and Ana Lim of the Negros Occidental Provincial Planning and Development Office who is also the OFW Focal Designate./WDJ