PH gov't arranges education, livelihood assistance for Mary Jane Veloso

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is linking Mary Jane Veloso to government agencies with programs that could help her resume her studies and pursue a livelihood as she rebuilds her life with her family in Nueva Ecija.

In a news release on Sunday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW, through its National Reintegration Network (NRN), is coordinating psychosocial support, education, and livelihood assistance for Veloso as she adjusts to returning to her family and community.

“Tutulungan natin si Mary Jane na makapag-adjust at makapagsimulang muli (We will help Mary Jane adjust and start anew),” Cacdac said.

Cacdac said the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Nueva Ecija has visited Veloso to help her continue her studies under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Schools Division Superintendent Ericson Sabacan shared that Veloso studied while detained and waiting for the pardon.

“Malaki ang hangarin niyang matuto, kaya buo ang suporta ng ating mga ALS teachers (She has a strong desire to learn, that is why our ALS teachers give their full support to her),” he said.

For livelihood, Cacdac said the DMW is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to guide Veloso on the business she wants to pursue and help her with the steps needed to start it.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also provided financial assistance and continues to assist the Veloso family through its social workers.

Meanwhile, General Mamerto Natividad Mayor Larry Ponce said the local government is also helping Veloso with her return and reintegration into the community.

“Masaya kaming nakauwi na si Mary Jane, kaya’t inaasikaso namin ang maayos at ligtas niyang pagbabalik dito sa Natividad (We are happy that Mary Jane is back home, and we are taking care of her smooth and safe return here to Natividad)” Ponce said.