BPI Foundation supports OFW survival in the new normal

BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continues to extend assistance to the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families greatly affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

“We recognize the great contribution of our dear OFWs in nation-building. And part of our social responsibility is to give back and support them, especially in challenging times,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo.

Many OFWs lost their jobs, displaced from work, and are forced to return home. Some Filipinos even stayed abroad to wait for the developments in their host countries hoping they could return to work again.

Through BPI Foundation’s “Lingap OFW project” with Atikha – a nongovernment organization that provides economic and social services to OFWs and their families in the Philippines – hundreds of relief packs including food and hygiene items were distributed to over 400 families of migrant workers in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, and Western Visayas.

“We are thankful to our partner, BPI Foundation, for making this relief project a reality. The smiles and words of gratitude of the 400 families we’ve reached were really heartwarming,” Atikha Executive Director Aileen Peñas said.

One of the beneficiaries, Edcel Dador, an OFW from UAE who returned to his hometown in Leganes, Iloilo said, “I lost my job and was forced to go home because of the pandemic. Thank you for helping us to survive.

Aside from food assistance, BPI Foundation, through its “FinEd Unboxed” program, also initiated a financial education digital learning sessions for OFWs titled “PinoyWise iTV” together with Atikha.

For more information, visit: http://www.bpifoundation.org.