The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pledged financial assistance to Filipino workers returning from Lebanon, offering a one-time payout for those in crisis and livelihood support for those seeking to leave their jobs in the Middle East.
DSWD spokesperson and Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced that the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) are designed to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the growing violence in Lebanon. “We will ensure that appropriate interventions will be extended to them,” Dumlao stated in an Inquirer.net report, emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment by social workers to determine the specific support required.
On Thursday, 47 OFWs arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the latest group among over 480 workers who have requested repatriation since October 2023. Through AICS, OFWs can receive a P10,000 financial grant, while SLP offers P15,000 as start-up capital for microenterprise ventures.
Additionally, eligible workers may receive further assistance through the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap), targeting those struggling with inflation and low wages.
