The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is extending its assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who lost their jobs as an effect of the global economic crisis by opening a center that will cater to the needs of displaced OFWs.

The government agency announced the opening of its National Reintegration Center and all regional offices of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The center aims to offer livelihood assistance and job placement programs to OFWs who wish to avail of the programs.

The National Reintegration Center is not limited to OFWs, as local employees who are also negatively affected by the crisis can also avail of the services of DOLE and its regional and provincial offices.

According to the Labor Secretary, Marianito Roque, DOLE will assist workers in finding another overseas job or help them start an income-generating project. No fee will be charged to those who wish to avail of the services.

For workers who want to start a livelihood business, an initial assistance package that includes entrepreneurship counseling, training, and access to equipment will be provided. Additional support can be requested by a beneficiary. The assistance will be provided by an accredited co-partner of the DOLE.

The DOLE and OWWA are also ready to help workers in forming business or livelihood cooperatives. A cooperative can file for a loan depending on the number of its members.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allotted P250-million livelihood support fund to help OFWs

For program details, workers may contact the NRCO at Tel. Nos. 528-0848 and the DOLE at 527-8000