In a recent session held on Monday, the Antique provincial board passed a resolution urging the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to reinstate its satellite office within the province. The initiative was spearheaded by board member Karmila Rose Dimamay, who emphasized the necessity of the office during the session and in subsequent interviews.
Previously, the OWWA satellite office was located at the New Capitol in San Jose de Buenavista but was closed due to movement restrictions during the peak of the global health crisis. Dimamay highlighted the significant benefits the office provided to the local overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), stating that its presence would streamline services and enhance efficiency for the OFW community in Antique.
Without the satellite office, the provincial government has been forced to rely on assigned personnel to handle OFW concerns, which are then forwarded to the OWWA regional office in Iloilo City, causing delays. Dimamay pointed out that the absence of the office compels OFWs to travel to Iloilo City, adding to their burdens.
The resolution comes in response to the needs of approximately 35,000 active and inactive OFWs in Antique, who are seeking various forms of assistance, including livelihood support. The provincial government has been attempting to fill the gap by providing financial aid, livelihood programs, and skills training to these workers.