AROUND 400 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Kuwait were given a warm welcome by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Tuesday, in an activity dubbed. “Bagong Taong Salubong sa OFWs” held at the NAIA Terminal 1.
Organized as a way of showing heartfelt welcome for OFWs returning home at the start of the year, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the event is also aimed at recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to their families and to the nation, while highlighting the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that Filipino migrant workers feel supported, valued and cared for upon their arrival in the country.
Apart from Robles, also Present during the event were his chief of staff Jeremy Regino, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, PCSO Chairman Judge Felix P. Reyes (Ret.) and members of the PCSO Board of Directors, namely Jennifer E. Liongson-Guevara and his executive assistant III Kristine Bernadette Llamas, Janet De Leon Mercado and Imelda A. Papin.
The occasion was highlighted by PCSO GM Robles himself distributing to the arriving OFWs the ‘Charitimba’, its in-kind assistance packages put in pails, to help address their immediate needs and serve as a gesture of support as they reunite with their families.
Robles underscored the importance of welcoming OFWs home and reaffirmed PCSO’s role as a steadfast partner to their families in the Philippines while they work abroad, assuring that “PCSO stands as a partner to your families here in the Philippines, ready to assist and provide support while you continue to work abroad.”
He added: “We want to assure you that you are not alone. As you strive to build a better future for your loved ones, PCSO remains committed to looking after the welfare of your families back home.”
Robles said the Bagong Taong Salubong sa OFWs forms part of PCSO’s ongoing social responsibility initiatives, carried out in close coordination with partner agencies, to extend timely assistance and compassion to Filipino workers and their families.
Meanwhile, OWWA officials reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuously provide welfare programs, reintegration assistance and support services to OFWs and their families.
Caunan cited the generosity of PCSO general manager Robles, whom she said has been supportive of OWWA the entire year.
It was learned that during the event at NAIA, the recipients of the PCSO aid were from flights known to be carrying mostly OFWs such as those from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Middle East flights.
