Roberto Panganiban was an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). He was a generous ?Samaritan? to Filipinos in need and in desperate situations.

It?s so sad to know that he didn?t really get to enjoy all the benefits due him as an OFW. I remember him telling me that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) rejected his claim for medical reimbursements because his ailment was not work-related. He said an OWWA representative even blamed him for filing his claim only after his illness (cancer) had reached stage 4.

Last December, Panganiban wrote Malacañang and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, telling them that he could no longer stand up or move his legs. I thought that was a last effort on his part to touch the hearts of those who have the power to ask the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Philippine General Hospital and, yes, OWWA to come to his rescue. But no government agency lifted a finger to find out what help could be extended to this one of the country?s ?modern-day heroes.? Roberto died last Feb. 7 and was buried Feb. 12.

His case is a classic example why OFWs have always complained about OWWA.

To many, OWWA is just good at collecting fees.

In the vernacular, ?araming nagsasabi na ginagatasan lang ng OWWA ang mga OFW.? And the government cannot blame these people for making such comments, because the fact is, helping the OFWs is not OWWA?s priority.

Before leaving the Philippines, we OFWs are required to pay certain fees and contributions to OWWA. But when we need OWWA, we have to go through the eye of a needle before we can enjoy, if at all, those benefits. When we do get to enjoy those benefits for which we pay hard-earned money, we are made to feel as if we are indebted to OWWA for the ?services? rendered.

When will OWWA be easily accessible to us OFWs? It is so easy for OWWA to collect money from us as we don?t have any option but to pay our mandatory fees and contributions before leaving the Philippines. Can?t OWWA make it as easy for us to claim our benefits, after all, we are the ones who are sacrificing so much of our lives?

OFWs all over the world will highly appreciate if the Philippine government and OWWA act on OFW claims with dispatch.

FRANCIS OCA, Riyadh, KSA