Where's OWWA in times of need?

Last September, the Filipino cyber community was flooded with letters of appeal addressed to various government agencies back home, particularly OWWA, seeking assistance for and in behalf of Roberto Panganiban, an OFW in Dubai who was sent home after being diagnosed with cancer. After five months of waiting and follow up, none of the government agencies concerned lifted a finger to find out what help can be given to Roberto, one of those 'modern day' heroes. Last Thursday Roberto gave up hope that help will be coming. Last December. Roberto wrote Malacanang and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas telling them that he can no longer stand nor move his legs. I thought that was a last effort on his part to touch the heart of those who have the power to ask the PCSO, PGH, and yes OWWA to come to the rescue of Roberto. But nobody moved. Last Thursday, Roberto joined his Master. The case of Roberto is a classic example why OFWs have always complained about OWWA. To many, OWWA is just good at collecting fees. In the vernacular, maraming nagsasabi na ginagatasan lang ng OWWA ang mga OFW. And the government cannot blame those people for such comments, because the fact is helping the OFWs is not OWWA's priority. Otherwise OWWA should be spending more than the 3% of fund balance that it currently spends on services. Administrator Marianito Roque was quoted once as saying that the main goal of OWWA at present is to achieve the TEN BILLION PESOS reserve which is estimated to be the amount needed to repatriate almost all the OFWs in the Middle East in case of civil disturbance in the region. Kaya siguro hindi nila matulungan si Roberto even if his is a case of life and death. Reading what the OWWA administrator said, I asked myself: why are we being tasked to build up our own repatriation fund? Is it not enough that we contribute to the nation's economy? And where is the repatriation fund that Congress is supposed to budget for every year as mandated by the Migrant Workers Act? When we questioned why OWWA funds were used to repatriate the OFWs stranded in Lebanon during a meeting with CFO Chair Dante Ang two weeks ago, the good chairman of CFO said "mga Filipino pa rin naman ang mga 'yon, kaya kahit hindi sila member ng OWWA bayaan na natin." Oo nga naman, bakit natin ipagkakait ang tulong sa kapwa Filipino. But here is a case of a bonafide member of OWWA asking for help. The member was dying yet OWWA said NO, that case of Permanent Disability is not covered by the member's "insurance poliicy." On one hand OWWA makes use of the members money to help non-members; on the other OWWA refuses to help a legitimate dying member. Where is justice in this case? During our meeting with Chairman Ang, one OFW who needs continuing dialysis treatment ask if the Chairman can refer him to PCSO for assistance. Chairman Ang promised he will help. I asked myself, why PCSO. Why not OWWA? Perhaps your guess is as good as mine. So what do we do about OWWA? Kind regards, Francis Oca Riyadh, KSA LETTER TO PRESIDENT ARROYO 09 February 2008 Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Office of the President Malacanang Palace, Manila Thru: Honorable Ma. Lourdes P. Varona Correspondent Secretary Dear President Arroyo, Last September the Filipino cyber community was flooded with letters of appeal seeking assistance for and in behalf of Mr. Roberto Panganiban, an OFW in Dubai who was sent home after being diagnosed of cancer. I was one among those who responded to the call of Mr. Panganiban. I wrote OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque asking that the case of Mr. Panganiban be investigated and much needed assistance be provided to him and his family. After a week without receiving a response from OWWA, I sought the assistance of your good offices to do what is required for OWWA officers to act. The Honorable Secretary Varona referred my letter to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas who, through its Executive Director, further referred the case back to OWWA, OUMWA-DFA, and POEA. This noon I received an email from Dianalyn Panganiban, informing me that his father Roberto passed away while waiting assistance from OWWA. Roberto died of cancer last Thursday and will buried on Tuesday, February 12. I do not know Roberto Panganiban personally. All I know is that he is one of those whom you so proudly refer to as 'modern day heroes'; one of those who helped keep our economy afloat when the country was in dire situation. I am not sure if your good offices and OWWA still have anything to give to help the family of Roberto. If there is, please do so. Most respectfully, Francis Oca Riyadh, KSA -- GMANews.TV