TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- The family of the Cagayana overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who died in an earthquake in Taiwan will receive about P2 million in aid and insurance claims, labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III said.
In a phone interview on Friday, February 9, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bello said Melody Albano Castro’s family will receive P100,000 financial aid, despite Castro being an inactive member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA).
“Unfortunately, she’s an inactive member of OWWA. But notwithstanding that fact, she will still receive a financial assistance of P100,000,” Bello told Forum.
Bello added that Castro will also receive P15,000 for funeral expenses, and P10,000 per year for her child’s elementary education.
Castro was found dead on Thursday, February 8, two days after the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Hualien City. Rescuers found her under a bed, that was crashed when a cabinet fell into it at the height of the tremor.
Bello said he already ordered government representatives to arrange the repatriation of the victim’s remains.
The victim’s aunt Mary Jane Abig said her niece’s remains will be brought up to Tuguegarao City airport, then later be brought to her hometown Abulug, Cagayan.
Insurance claim, Taiwan aid
Bello added that he was informed that the Japanese employers of Castro got her an insurance of 500,000 New Taiwan dollars (P879,072.43).
Castro’s employment agency also got her a “compulsory insurance” of 15,000 US dollars (P773,250).
“Magbibigay din daw ang Hualien City government ng 100,000 Taiwan dollars (P175,000). All in all, ang bilang namin na makukuha niya ay 600,000 Taiwan dollars at 15,000 US dollars,” Bello said.
The labor secretary said all overseas employment agencies are required to get their OFW applicants a life insurance.
Castro, 28, left behind her 6-year old daughter and her husband who was paralyzed due to an accident in 2015. Northernforum.net
*As of 6:20 pm, February 9, 2018:
New Taiwan Dollar to Philippine Peso = 1.76
US Dollar to Philippine Peso= 51.56
