CLARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were greeted by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday here as part of the “Pamaskong Salubong Para sa OFW” of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administra- tion (OWWA).
Duterte attended the Kapam- pangan Food Festival at the nearby ASEAN Convention Center earlier before heading to this airport with Labor Secretary Silves- tre Bello III.
A total of 39 OFWs out of more than 200 Filipino workers who arrived from Qatar Thursday afternoon were pre-selected to receive P50,000 cash gifts and other surprises from OWWA.
“…I represent the Filipino nation in thanking you for your sacrifi ce… Part of the government’s income comes from the toil and sweat of OFWs,” Duterte said.
To show the government’s gratitude for their sacrifi ces, the Chief Executive off ered assistance to returning OFWs who would want to start a business or work in the country.
The President said the country will need more workers in the construction sector with several projects in the pipeline under the admin- istration’s Build, Build, Build program.
Duterte also said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also helping small and medium enterprises start a business or market their products.
Among those who received iDOLE cards were David Dionisio, Mellie Ramirez, Rodylyn Mora- da and Carlo Redoble.
Eight OFWs, on the other hand, received P50,000 cash gifts from the OWWA – Jerson Villamero Zamora, Felix Sbrigo Bambilla, Carlo Dalaguit Redoble, Alan Javalde Gonzaga, Ronald Panahon Ballicud, Judith Soto Gonzaga, Fatima Venancio Bibangon, and Wellnor Gonza- ga Zamora.
Some P10,000 worth of appliances were also given to Grace Lyn Jimenez Colot, Marlon- dino Olarte Bambilla, Diosdado Gonzaga Laylay Jr., Joy Pinero Militante, Allan Manliquez Militante, Jocelyn Militante Labajo, Joy Manliquez Dalagon, and Prisco Vil- lamero Zamora Jr.
Five repatriated OFWs also received P3,000 worth of appliances. They were Gerlie Gonzaga Laylay, Lowe- lyn Militante Gonzaga, William Sabado, Mano- lo Mediavillo, and Rey Chua Jr.
Special gifts were also given to Julie Rose Mediavillo, Eller Ocam- po, Eric Bacolod Delos Reyes, Nelson Dumantay and Fely Dumantay.
