Abra OFW returnees given livelihood funds

 BANGUED, Abra  — Three former overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) groups in the province received financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) last week here at the office of the provincial governor.

The Villaviciosa OFW Returnees and Migrant Workers Association headed by Ursula Basteng, from Poblacion, Villaviciosa will invest the P100,000 grant in swine production.

The Saguiyod-Barcena Family Circle under the leadership of Nena Saguiyod-Oriente from PoblacionMayabo, Tubo, will use its P100,000 for a bakery shop and sari-sari store in Mayabo.

The Bucloc OFWs and Returnees Association headed by Natividad G. Martin from Brgy. Lamao, Bucloc, will invest the money for swine fattening and breeding.

OWWA-Cordillera Regional Director Manuela Peña explained the funds were sourced from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Central Office under its Reintegration Program for OFWs.

OWWA acted as facilitator and conduit for the said fund support which is made available to OFWs who are registered members of the OWWA.

Peña said the grantees were chosen through the project proposals they submitted. They were assisted in formulating the proposals by Dr. Emerito Narag of DOLE; he also helped them in the social preparation of the groups which included among others, the provision of capability building trainings to ensure that the groups are ready to carry out and manage their business proposals.

In his message during the simple awarding ceremonies, Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin advised the grantees to be more serious in the implementation of their livelihood project because grants like these come only once in a lifetime since there are many other people in need of the same service of government. They are fortunate they are the first to avail of the said financial assistance from government, he said.

Bersamin also invited the provincial veterinarian, Dr. DiosadoTaverner, to the awarding ceremony so that the beneficiaries can consult him before they start their livestock production. -- PIA