P5.1 billion more funds released for DOLE AKAP, more Filipinos in UAE to get Dh730 cash aid

  MANILA – More Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and around the world are set to receive $200 (Dh730) cash assistance from the Philippine government after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the release of P56.9 billion additional funding for various government programs to combat Covid-19. Additional funding of P5.1 billion will be released to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (DOLE AKAP) for displaced overseas Filipino workers. The DOLE AKAP program is a one-time cash assistance for OFWs who lost their job or part of their salary due to the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The program was launched by DOLE on April 8. In Dubai alone, some 21,500 Filipinos have already received cash assistance, according to figures from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Dubai, as shared by officials in the recent DOLE V Cafe forum. The figure is expected to double now that more funds have been allocated. ALSO READ: How to apply for Dh730 cash assistance for Filipinos in UAE The latest allocation came after Duterte gave Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado the authority to approve the Bayanihan 2 fund requests of agencies, said Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Tuesday (October 27). Roque said this helped expedite the approval of the budget releases. CAM/Expat Media

Breakdown of allocation of new funds for Philippine response to Covid-19:

Department of Health - P20.575 billion 
 For health-related responses, augmentation of government hospitals, benefits for health workers such as special risk allowances, hazard pay, free life insurance, accommodation, transportation and meals; Department of Agriculture - P11.632 billion 
 For the implementation of Plant, Plant, Plant Program Department of Labor and Employment - P8 billion 
 For Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program Department of Labor and Employment - P5.1 billion 
 For the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) for displaced overseas Filipino workers Department of Social Welfare and Development - P6 billion For Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Sustainable Livelihood Program; National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Department of Social Welfare - P5 billion 
 For fund augmentation Department of Trade and Industry – P100 million For shared service facilities for the “Balik Probinsiya, Bagong Pag-asa Program” 
Local government support - P500 million
 For local government support fund ALSO READ DOLE AKAP cash aid continues for Filipinos in UAE
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