Restoration of DFA budget for OFW assistance sought

Senator Manuel Villar on Tuesday sought the restoration of the budget slashed from the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that proper assistance is given to distressed overseas Filipino Workers. “The severe and unreasonable budget cuts in the DFA’s 2011 budget is taking its toll on timely and effective assistance to distressed OFWs around the world. We need to rectify it this early while the executive branch is formulating next year’s budget," Villar said in a statement released Tuesday. He said the government must be prepared to provide the needed funding for helping OFWs in disaster-hit countries such as Japan and other states where there is civil unrest. “We must be prepared for the long haul in both Japan and in certain countries in the Middle East and such preparations must be reflected in and supported by the right level of appropriations and manpower support," he said. Villar suggested that the Philippine government send augmentation teams to assist the Philippine Embassy in providing assistance to an estimated 300,000 Filipinos in Japan. However, he said that teams must be equipped with satellite phones and resources to rent vehicles to bring food, medicine, and blankets for Filipinos affected by the strong earthquake and the resulting tsunami. He also said that Philippine posts on-site need more personnel and resources to equip community volunteers with food, medicine, and other supplies for the OFWs there. “We received reports that there is an urgent need for food supplies, flashlights, and even thick blankets for our compatriots especially those living near the epicenter of the earthquake," he said. Villar had chided the government saying that OFWs in strife-torn countries in the Middle East and in North Africa need additional budget more than photo opportunities. The government slashed the DFA's 2011 budget allocation for helping nationals from P156 million to P78 million. In September last year, OFW groups slammed the Aquino administration for the almost P2-billion cut on the proposed budget for the DFA. — LBG, GMA News