The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Ilocos Region (OWWA-1) held an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Welfare, Health and Membership Serbisyo Caravan here on Thursday, benefiting more than 1,000 OFWs and their families.

In an interview, OWWA Central Office Director of Operations Dr. Nestor Burayag said the Alagang OWWA Program aims to bring welfare, health, membership, and government services closer to beneficiaries, including active, returning, and transit OFWs, their dependents, and families.

He said the caravan serves as a multi-agency platform offering OFWs and dependents access to government services, welfare, health, memberships, documentation, social protection, and other support.

“The activity complements OWWA’s regular programs and services by providing timely, needs-based, and client-centered assistance to OFWs and their families,” he added.

Burayag said OWWA has institutionalized the caravan as a regular activity.

It was first held in San Juan, La Union on July 16 and will also be held in Alaminos City, Pangasinan on Sept. 15; in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on Oct. 8; and in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Oct. 22.

Joan Occeña of Laoac, Pangasinan, whose sister is an OFW in Saudi Arabia, said they availed of the caravan’s services and are grateful.

She said one of their sisters was also a scholar of the OWWA educational program and is now working.

Lorgem Selga of Laoac, Pangasinan also thanked the national government agencies for the services they provided.

She also received PHP5,000 from the provincial government as a distressed or displaced OFW.

“I will use the money as additional capital for my food business,” she added.

Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico IV said the caravan is beneficial, especially because there are many OFWs in the town. (PNA)