Manama, Bahrain — A total of 244 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), along with their dependents, have been successfully repatriated from Bahrain. This marks the fourth batch of returnees, who arrived safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on April 3, 2026, via Gulf Air Flight 0154, after departing from Dammam, Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The successful repatriation of OFWs was carried out through the collaborative efforts of the Philippine Embassy Manama’s One Country Team spearheaded by His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, the Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, along with the Department of Migrant Workers – Migrant Workers Office (DMW-MWO), which is headed by Labor Attache’ Dr. Orville A. Ballitoc and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) led by Welfare Officer, Juvylyn Anns Gumabay.
On-site, Vice Consul Charlie Froilan Prenicolas, Welfare Officer Eric Miranda from OWWA Riyadh, and personnel of DMW-MWO- OWWA were actively involved, assisting, supervising, and monitoring the operation to ensure that all procedure were effectively implemented and that the needs of the repatriates were addressed without delay.
In the course of preparing and orienting the 198 OFWs along with their 46 dependents, the DMW-MWO ensured that all their immediate requirements were fulfilled. This encompassed the arrangement of accommodations, provision of food, and other necessary supplies to guarantee their comfort and welfare as they awaited their travel. The support provided exemplifies the MWO’s dedication to offering efficient, organized, and compassionate assistance, ensuring that the repatriates received proper care throughout the entire process.
In addition to offering complimentary travel tickets, the MWO also provided US$200 in financial aid to the OFWs before their departure from Bahrain. This financial support reflects its ongoing commitment to delivering both logistical and financial assistance, thereby facilitating a smooth, dignified, and well-supported return for the workers and their families.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary for Foreign Employment and Welfare Services Atty. Felicitas Q. Bay, together with senior officials from the DMW and OWWA, welcomed returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at NAIA on Good Friday.
Upon arrival, the repatriates received immediate assistance from the DMW, OWWA, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), and the airport medical team, in collaboration with various partner agencies. They were provided with support services such as food assistance, transportation, and temporary accommodation as necessary, to ensure their immediate recovery and comfort. Furthermore, additional aid was offered to facilitate domestic travel, which included flight arrangements and hotel accommodations for individuals traveling to the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as land transportation support for returnees heading to Luzon.
As part of their reintegration process, OFWs will receive training and upskilling opportunities from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authorit (TESDA) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, along with livelihood support designed to assist them in rebuilding their lives in their respective provinces. Additionally, special financial aid is available for OFWs affected by the crisis in the Middle East, reflecting the government’s continuous commitment to their welfare and recovery.
Among those returning were Lizajane Gesoro, a 33-year-old domestic worker from Davao de Oro, and Glennice Labarios, 28, a cashier from Malabon who is four months pregnant. Both women recounted the emotional strain of working overseas during the ongoing conflict. Gesoro shared her feelings of being overwhelmed when she received a call from the MWO regarding the repatriation program. “I cried deeply when a staff member from the MWO contacted me about the program,” she stated, conveying her relief and gratitude for the chance to return home after enduring anxiety.
Similarly, Labarios conveyed that the MWO personnel contacted her and courteously requested that she provide her passport while clearly outlining the necessary procedures. “I chose to take advantage of the repatriation program and intend to return,” she stated, mentioning that her fiancé, who will stay in Bahrain, expressed concern regarding her well-being during this period.
Lea Manorina Letran, 64, hailing from Pilar, Sorsogon, conveyed her profound relief and joy at the prospect of returning home, a desire she had harbored for an extended period but was unable to realize due to the prohibitive airfare costs. As she readies herself for a fresh start, she expressed her aspiration to establish a small water refilling station to sustain her livelihood. With a sorrowful heart, she also disclosed that she had to part with her cherished golden retriever, which made her departure all the more challenging.
In light of these difficulties, Letran urged her fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to exercise patience and understanding. “I would like to request my fellow OFWs not to cast blame on the Philippine Embassy and the government agencies that are assisting us. We are almost 60,000 in number, and they are making every effort on our behalf,” she stated. “Kindly be patient and wait for your turn if you have registered in the program.” Her message conveyed a sense of gratitude and empathy, influenced by the collective hardships faced by Filipinos who are eagerly anticipating their opportunity to return home.
The mission was bolstered by volunteers from the Filipino community, whose commitment embodied the essence of bayanihan and was instrumental in the success of the repatriation.
Ambassador Gallaga and Dr. Ballitoc recognized these initiatives, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between government entities and the Filipino community in guaranteeing the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos. This sense of unity was further strengthened by the presence and support of Madame Moira G. Gallaga, the spouse of Ambassador Gallaga, whose engagement highlighted the robust spirit of cooperation and leadership that played a vital role in the overall success of the repatriation efforts. Her involvement demonstrated the collective dedication among officials and representatives on the ground to protect Filipino nationals and promote their well-being.
One of the volunteers who shared her expertise was Maria Perez Carmona, 49, a community leader in Bahrain and Programs Development Manager at ALWALI Training & Development Center. She said her team served as standby first aiders during the large-scale repatriation to help ensure the safety of returnees.
Carmona emphasized that providing care and support during such moments reflects the group’s commitment to the well-being of fellow Filipinos. “Now more than ever, this is our moment to stand together, united in kindness, strengthened by empathy, and guided by a shared commitment to uplift one another,” she said.
Organizations and groups who also volunteered include: Good Cause Bahrain led by Antoinette Avila, Filipino Club Bahrain, Brand Me, Alpha Kappa Rho, International Order Reform Guardians Bahrain Brotherhood Inc. (IORGBT), Guardians Alliance Against Crime Inc. (GAACI), Philippine Eagles Bahrain Kaanib Region Volunteers, Bahrain Eagles, Filipino Institute and Filipino Club Basketball Group (FCBG).
The successive arrival of repatriation batches, starting with Batch 1 comprising 16 returnees, followed by Batch 2 with 22, Batch 3 containing 79, and Batch 4 featuring 244, emphasizes the expanding scope and consistent advancement of the program. Each batch signifies the unwavering dedication of Philippine government agencies and their collaborators in facilitating the safe, orderly, and compassionate return of Overseas Filipino Workers and their dependents, highlighting the country’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens overseas.Pregnant cashier, elderly domestic worker among 244 OFWs returned from Bahrain
