BSP re-opens exchange facility for Syrian pound

MANILA, Philippines – Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who had to return home following the conflict in Syria can now exchange their Syrian pounds for Philippine pesos.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 16, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said its policy making body approved the re-opening of the exchange facility to assist the OFWs who were displaced by the conflict.

OFWs and their families can exchange up to P10,000-worth of their Syrian currency at the BSP head office in Malate in Manila City, as well as in BSP’s regional offices and branches, and authorized agent banks. OFWs must present documentary proof of travel from Syria, such as their passport or their original travel document issued by the Philippine embassy in Damascus with an exit visa.

The facility will be available for another 6 months starting July 16. It was initially available from January 30 to May 30, 2013.

As of June, over 4,300 Filipinos have already fled Syria under the Philippine government’s mandatory repatriation program. – Rappler.com