The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Northern Samar provincial government have set up an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) help desk in the province to bring the services closer to workers and their families.

The provincial government assigned one of its employees to man the desk found at the Northern Samar Public Employment Service Office (NSPESO), Agriculture Compound, Old Capitol in Catarman town.

“Through the initiative, clients need not travel to the regional office in Tacloban City for OWWA inquiries and related concerns. With this desk, there is guidance to OFWs or their families relating to OWWA’s programs and services,” said Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said in a statement on Monday.

As of last year, there are more than 37,000 OFWs from Northern Samar, according to the provincial government.

On Feb. 2, Ongchuan and OWWA Eastern Visayas Regional Director Aquilina Tarrobago signed a memorandum of agreement for setting up the help desk.

The provincial government and OWWA also agreed to regularly coordinate and assess the services extended through the help desk.

OWWA’s OFW Help Desk provides easier access for OFWs in the province to its range of services, including facilitation of training, promotion of health care and overall welfare and integration together with their families. (PNA)