Good news for Filipinos who are just about to embark on a journey and becoming OFWs. It's about time that our "benevolent" lawmakers in the Philippines give some importance to what the government keeps on calling "Bagong Bayani". This a very significant and relevant bill for future OFWs and their families. I know how hard it is to find substantial amount to spend on processing expenses before you can even leave the country, much more for the living expenses of the family that will be left behind.
"A measure creating a credit assistance program for overseas Filipino workers even before they leave the country has been approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading.
Under House Bill 4985 or the proposed Overseas Workers Credit Assistance Act, OFWs may borrow up to P50,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to defray the living expenses of his or her family during the first months of absence or to pay for recruitment expenses including placement fees, documentation costs and plane tickets."
Source: House OKs bill granting credit assistance to OFWs
Most of the time, a would be OFW will turn to loan sharks because it's easier to borrow than from legal financial institutions. The only problem is the interest can be as high as 20% but with the hope of finding a good job abroad no interest is too high for a determined individual. And when this happens, it will take at least 2 years before an OFW can clear his debts, sometimes even longer.
This is a very welcome move on the part of the Congress.. Finally they have noticed the need to assist aspiring new heroes to make it easier for them and their families to start and be able to hold on until the pasture will really becomes green. Sir/Madame of the House of Congress, please do expedite the approval of the Bill and hopefully more support shall be extended to the Millions of Filipinos around the world.
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