A very sad accident happened last weekend at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport). A car suddenly drove fast and crashed into the departure area of Terminal 1. Two people died in the crash, including a 4-year-old girl named Malia.
Malia was the daughter of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) named Danmark Masongsong. He was just about to fly abroad for work when the accident happened. It changed his and his family’s life forever.
The Government Steps In to Help
Right after the accident, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) acted quickly to help. They gave 24/7 (all day and all night) emotional and mental support to Mr. Masongsong and his family. This kind of help is called psychosocial counseling — it’s when trained people like nurses and social workers talk to you, listen to your feelings, and help you stay strong during really sad times.
President Bongbong Marcos gave a special order: to make sure that OFWs who go through painful experiences like this get the care and support they need.
What Kind of Help Are They Giving?
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Emotional Support: Nurses and counselors are always ready to listen and give comfort. -
Support at the Wake: People from DMW and OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) visited the family during the wake (the time when people say goodbye to someone who has passed away). -
Financial Aid Coming Soon: Mr. Masongsong and his wife will receive money to help them during this very hard time. Both of them used to work as OFWs in Taiwan.
What About His Job Abroad?
Mr. Masongsong was supposed to work in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. When the accident happened, the DMW told his new boss right away.
His employer was very sad and shocked to hear the news. The Philippine Embassy in Prague and the labor attaché (a government worker who helps OFWs) shared the full story with the company. The employer understands the situation and is planning to send kind words and condolences (messages of sympathy) to Mr. Masongsong soon.
