SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga – Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda has provided financial assistance to the grieving families of Kapampangan Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who tragically lost their lives in Israel and Jordan in 2023.
Governor Delta personally engaged with the bereaved family members during a ceremony held at the Bren Z Guiao Convention Center on Friday, January 12, where financial aid checks were distributed.
Each family was granted PHP 300,000 in financial assistance through a Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution approved by the provincial board led by Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda.
“Alam ko po hindi po mapapalitan ang sakit na nadarama niyo para sa mga nawala niyong mahal sa buhay, ito pong ibinibigay namin ay maliit lang po para makatulong sa mga naiwan po nilang mga pamilya,” expressed Governor Delta.
The beneficiaries include the families of Paul Vincent Castelvi, a 42-year-old OFW from San Fernando City killed by Hamas during the war; Grace Prodrigo Cabrera, a 45-year-old OFW from Apalit who died protecting her elderly ward during the Hamas attack; and Mary Grace Santos, a 34-year-old OFW from Macabebe who was raped and killed while working as a domestic helper in Jordan.
“Malaking halaga po itong pagtulong po sa amin ni Gov, ni Nanay kaya nagpapasalamat po kami ng marami dahil malaking bahagi po ng buhay namin ang ibinigay po sa amin. Three months na ang nakakalipas pero andito pa din ang kirot. Pero sa tulong ng Panginoon at the government, nakakaraos po,” said Lilina Castelvi, mother of Paul Castelvi.
In addition to the financial aid, Governor Pineda has committed support for the education of the children and relatives left behind by the OFWs.
Israel Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fuss, reported that Israel is still in a state of war, with 136 Israelis held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
