SAIPAN, Northern Marianas — The Philippine government has started distributing emergency financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, one of the strongest storms to hit the US territory in recent years.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused six confirmed casualties in the CNMI and inflicted catastrophic damage that was still being financially calculated, though nearby regional benchmarks and utility aid indicate losses well into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Entire communities across Saipan and Tinian suffered from flooding, roof damage, prolonged power outages, and destruction of homes and personal property, leaving many residents struggling to recover weeks after the storm.
Labor attaché Saul De Vries said the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration began distributing aid on May 26 and would continue through May 30 while resources remain available.
“We came here to address the needs of our kababayans, of our compatriots here in CNMI,” De Vries said. “We understand that these are the islands that were really devastated by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.”
The DMW and OWWA are providing $100 each to eligible overseas Filipino workers affected by the typhoon. Permanent residents and green card holders are excluded because they fall outside the agencies’ jurisdiction.
Distribution started at the Beach Garden Hotel in Garapan after flight delays disrupted the original schedule. Separate teams are also expected to travel to Tinian for additional payouts.
De Vries assured workers that the Philippine government would continue helping as long as funding remains available.
“I would like to assure everybody that for as long as we have the resources to distribute, we will distribute them,” he said.
Many Filipino workers described severe losses brought by the typhoon.
Kris Romero, 40, originally from Cavite and now working at Pacific Quick Print & Post, said floodwaters damaged her apartment and destroyed appliances and electronics, including her air-conditioning unit. Romero has lived on Saipan for 19 years.
“This is my first time I got something,” Romero said. “I’m very happy.”
Arnel Carillo, 47, a worker at Hydro Mechanical System originally from Laguna, said his house was flooded during the storm. He has been in Saipan for more than two years.
Helen Olbes, 62, an employee of Island Business Systems and Supplies who has spent 25 years in Saipan, said strong winds ripped part of her roof off, allowing rainwater to damage belongings inside her home. Olbes is originally from Manila.
“I just want to thank our government for this initiative to provide financial assistance to us overseas Filipino workers,” Olbes said. “This is a big help, especially now that almost all of us are struggling after this super typhoon.”
Wilma Dellota, 65, who works at Herman’s Modern Bakery and has lived on Saipan for 37 years, said flooding inside her barracks destroyed nearly all her belongings. Dellota is originally from Cabuyao, Laguna.
Marife Perez, 35, a daycare worker at Golden Harvest International School from Batangas, said the typhoon damaged the roof of her home and ruined several personal items. Perez has been on Saipan for a year and a half.
“We’re very thankful and blessed that our government blessed us with this kind of financial assistance,” Perez said. “It will be very helpful for us because the typhoon Sinlaku hit us very hard here on Saipan.”
Gloria Sabado, 57, an accountant originally from Batac, Ilocos Norte, said her home suffered flooding and structural damage during the storm. She has lived on Saipan for 40 years.
Eydie Uy, 68, who works at Makeover Salon and has spent four decades on Saipan, said his apartment survived but his vehicle was heavily flooded and unusable for several days. Uy is originally from Tacloban.
“In a way, it’s a big help for us, especially us that we are the victims of Super Typhoon Sinlaku,” Uy said.
Eduardo B. Palomique, 62, a truck driver at MingYang Supermarket who has lived on Saipan since 1991, said his family’s house lost much of its roof and was flooded during the storm. Originally from Laguna, Palomique said the OWWA payout was the first aid his family had received since the typhoon.
“At least we got something. This is big help for us,” Palomique said.
