Returning overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East are being funneled into a multi-agency support system that covers everything from immediate medical attention to long-term livelihood building, the Department of Migrant Workers said.
The effort operates under the National Reintegration Network, a coalition of 16 government agencies tasked with ensuring repatriated workers have viable options beyond their return flight home. Initial assistance begins at arrival through a Post-Repatriation Orientation that addresses health needs and psychosocial care while laying out pathways for what comes next.
DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron “Kiko” de Guzman outlined the scope of those options. “The program opens multiple pathways for returning OFWs, including local employment, overseas redeployment, and livelihood or entrepreneurship opportunities,” he said. “We also offer skills training and upskilling through TESDA, scholarship support for dependents, and job matching services.”
One concrete redirection effort targets workers previously assigned in Israel. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the government has been actively identifying alternative destinations. “For instance, some workers previously based in Israel are now being deployed to Croatia. Seventeen returnees are set for deployment, while 186 have already been endorsed to recruitment agencies,” Cacdac said.
On the employment placement side, Undersecretary Felicitas Q. Bay described how workers are matched to available positions. “We conduct skills assessments and match repatriates with available job orders. Our Pre-Employment Government Placement Bureau assists them in finding suitable employment and helps them comply with documentary requirements,” Bay said.
Job and livelihood fairs have been staged in Quezon City, Tacloban, and Koronadal, with Cebu lined up as the next venue. Financial and business assistance is also available through partner agencies including the Small Business Corporation.
