Shanghai, 16 June – As recovery assistance for OFWs most affected by the two-month total lockdown in Shanghai, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) began distribution on 14 June of grocery vouchers to Filipinos who registered for such aid.

Verified members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) each received grocery vouchers worth RMB 1,334 (USD 200). Meanwhile, non-OWWA members each received vouchers worth RMB 700 under Welfare Assistance extended by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Over 400 beneficiaries have claimed their vouchers, to date. Consul General Josel F. Ignacio and other PCG officials were on hand to greet and assist recipients. Many of the beneficiaries expressed their sincere appreciation to OWWA, DFA and PCG for this assistance.

Registered beneficiaries may claim their cards at the PCG daily, including weekends, for the entire month of June. From July onwards, the cards may be claimed during regular office hours. The list of beneficiaries is available online at the PCG’s website (shanghaipcg.dfa.gov.ph).

The voucher distribution represents the latest lockdown-related assistance to Filipinos in the city. On 7-9 May and again on 22-24 May, the PCG arranged the delivery of emergency food packs to 247 and 288 Filipinos, respectively.

Shanghai went on partial lockdown on 28 March, and entered full lockdown on 1 April in response to a COVID-19 surge. After clearing communities of cases and putting transmissions under control, city authorities restored the movement of people, transportation and limited business operations on 1 June. END