DMW Caraga distributes AKSYON Fund assistance to OFWs in Agusan Sur
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
The AKSYON Fund is a government assistance program established under Republic Act No. 11641, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, to provide timely, responsive assistance to OFWs and their families, particularly those facing distress, displacement, medical emergencies, abuse, legal cases, repatriation, and other crisis situations.
It is also a core component under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) “Saving Lives” pillar managed by the DMW to provide immediate legal, medical, financial, and repatriation assistance.
Under the current AKSYON Fund guidelines, assistance may cover qualified distressed or displaced OFWs, including those affected by employment-related problems, natural calamities and other emergencies, contract termination, forced labor, trafficking, legal cases, and medical conditions. The program also provides assistance to qualified next-of-kin in certain circumstances involving incarcerated or deceased OFWs.
The benefit matrix provides different levels of assistance depending on the circumstances of the beneficiary. Qualified distressed OFWs may receive financial assistance of up to P50,000, while those affected by war, armed conflict, other extraordinary circumstances, or severe or serious illness or injury may qualify for P75,000. The next of kin of an OFW who died while in the host country may also receive P100,000 in burial assistance, subject to the program’s requirements.
“If the OFW went home due to medical reasons, that alone with the medical certificate that was issued by the doctor and hospital, he or she can receive P75,000. If they experience distress and were abused by their employers, they can receive P50,000. And lastly, for those who died and whose human remains were brought home, the next of kin or immediate family can process and claim the assistance,” said Eval Makinano, chief labor and employment officer of DMW Caraga, during the said distribution on October 2.
One of the beneficiaries, Mayrin Muanya, shared how her experience as an OFW eventually led to a serious accident while working abroad.
“When I finished my contract in Saudi Arabia, I went to Dubai for eight months. After that, I went to Qatar, and there I met an accident. I fell from the third floor of a building,” Muanya said.
Muanya expressed her gratitude for the assistance, saying the financial support would help her continue her recovery and support her family.
“I am thankful to the DMW for the support they gave me. I will use it for my medicines for my traumatic brain injury. It will also help my family and enable me to build my own business and invest in our agricultural activities,” she added.
The AKSYON Fund forms part of the DMW’s continuing efforts to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families. Similar assistance has been extended by DMW regional offices to OFWs facing medical emergencies, employment-related difficulties, repatriation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Through the coordination of DMW Caraga and PPESO Agusan del Sur, the assistance was brought closer to beneficiaries in the province, providing them with immediate support as they recover from difficult experiences abroad and work toward rebuilding their lives and livelihoods at home. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
