Philippines distributes government aid to migrant workers and fire survivors

The Philippine government has distributed significant aid through various service initiatives. During the ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat’ caravan, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provided over P304 million in assistance to 10,177 beneficiaries. This included P214.3 million in DMW services—covering the AKSYON Fund, livelihood distribution, and medical assistance—and P89.7 million in OWWA services, such as the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay reintegration program and welfare assistance.

Separately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has extended over P410,000 in humanitarian aid to survivors of the MV June Aster fire in Coron, Palawan. The assistance, which includes financial aid, food packs, and non-food items, follows a maritime incident on September 9 involving a passenger-cargo vessel. The DSWD is coordinating with local government units and regional disaster councils to support affected families and monitor ongoing search and retrieval operations.