A 56-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and aircraft technician based in Singapore, Carlito Rio Sr., expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for helping him return to the Philippines after he suffered a stroke earlier this year.
“I’m very thankful for their help, and I hope they continue to support other OFWs in need,” said Rio, who experienced partial paralysis in February. A concerned friend reached out to OWWA Singapore, which quickly coordinated his medical repatriation.
Rio arrived in the Philippines on March 10, where he received airport assistance, transportation, and ₱20,000 in medical aid. He used the funds to cover urgent expenses such as rent, basic needs, and therapy sessions. In addition, he was granted ₱10,000 in financial support to help with recovery costs. Rio praised OWWA for its swift and well-organized response.
These benefits were provided under OWWA’s Medical Assistance for OFWs Program, launched in 2017 to support OFWs who are hospitalized due to serious illness or injury. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, OWWA Region 7 disbursed nearly ₱3.9 million to 355 OFWs in need.
According to OWWA nurse Jane Lorrain B. Lao, the increase in applications can be attributed to growing awareness of the program through social media platforms. The medical assistance offers a one-time cash grant of up to ₱20,000, depending on the severity of the illness or injury.
In addition to medical aid, OWWA offers a ₱10,000 financial grant to distressed or displaced OFWs. For those unable to return to work abroad, such as Carlito Rio Sr., further assistance is available through the Balik Pinas! Balik Hanapbuhay! Program. This livelihood initiative provides up to ₱20,000 in starter capital for eligible beneficiaries who wish to start a small business or livelihood project in the Philippines.
OWWA officer Christina Marie I. Vistal emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting OFWs in difficult circumstances, including those affected by illness, abuse, war, or unresolved employment disputes. “We are here to provide help when our OFWs need it most,” she said.
How OFWs can avail themselves of OWWA benefits
OFWs or their family members who encounter similar medical or employment-related challenges can seek help from OWWA by following these steps:
- Contact the nearest OWWA office — either in the Philippines or abroad (e.g., OWWA offices in embassies or consulates).
- Prepare relevant documents, such as medical certificates or hospital records, proof of OWWA membership, passport and employment contract, barangay or police report (for cases involving abuse or displacement)
- Submit an application for assistance (in person or via online channels, depending on the program).
Await evaluation and approval, which OWWA aims to process promptly, especially for urgent medical or financial cases.
For medical repatriation and related emergencies, OFWs abroad should contact OWWA-attached labor offices or the Philippine embassy in their host country as soon as possible.
Carlito Rio Sr. may also qualify for livelihood support once his condition stabilises, given that his current health may prevent him from returning to overseas employment.