OWWA offers no interest calamity loan to ‘Ondoy’ victims

MANILA, Philippines – In an effort to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families cope with the after effects of “Ondoy,” the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now extending interest-free calamity loans.

OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon said the agency has opened a calamity loan facility for the families of active OWWA members who have been devastated by the tropical storm.

Dimzon disclosed that the calamity loan of P10,000 will be provided to a qualified borrower with no interest.

She added that the loan would be payable in 24 monthly installments with a grace period of 120 days from release.

“This is OWWA’s response to the urgent need of its members, when many households are suffering in the wake of widespread destruction brought by Ondoy,” Dimzon said.

She noted the government, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is deeply concerned over the impact of Ondoy on the families of many OFWs.

“We got reports that a large number of those affected are OFW families, especially those residing in towns and cities declared as calamity areas by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) in Metro Manila, the province of Rizal and Region 3,” Dimzon added.

OWWA welfare offices and staff in the affected regions have been instructed to process quickly the loans for early approval and release. Requirements are simple and these include active OWWA membership, certification from the local government unit that applicant was affected by Ondoy, and a promissory note or affidavit of undertaking of the OFW-member.

Interested applicants may visit the nearest OWWA regional office or get in touch with the OWWA Operations Center at 0917-8986992 (TXTOWWA), or 5511560. –-Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)
with Rudy Santos