The Philippine government has distributed an unprecedented amount of cash and other forms of assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this year, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Nearly half of the P2.8-billion action fund has been allocated to around 62,000 OFWs affected by various crises, including the conflicts in Sudan and Gaza.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac highlighted the extensive support provided, stating in an ABS-CBN report, “Nearly 1,000 OFWs in Sudan and 1,000 in the Hamas-Israel situation have received whole-of-government assistance. The packages delivered are unprecedented.” This support extends beyond the DMW, with additional aid from the departments of health, social welfare, labor, and foreign affairs.
Cacdac also noted that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is assisting repatriated Filipinos in acquiring new skills to help them start businesses back home. He reported that approximately 54,000 OFWs have required assistance with labor-related cases and court hearings, dealing with issues such as rape, physical injury, withheld salaries, and theft.
Typically, the agency provides P10,000 to P20,000 in cash aid, but OFWs repatriated from conflict zones like Israel and Sudan received P50,000 in assistance. “This is a global operation that will bring OFWs all the way to their families,” Cacdac emphasized.
Efforts are ongoing to improve access to the action fund, with the government striving to enhance the efficiency and reach of its support mechanisms. The repatriation command center successfully reunites about 900 OFWs with their families each month. “There are always areas for improvement,” Cacdac acknowledged, as the government continues to refine its assistance programs for overseas workers.
