Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, 18 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday, marking the second batch of repatriates from Israel.
14 of the returnees are caregivers, while the remaining four worked in hotels. Their return was facilitated through the coordinated efforts of multiple government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
DMW Undersecretary Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones reassured the repatriates of the government’s full support, stating that they would be provided aid in navigating the trauma and stress experienced during their time abroad. Each OFW is set to receive cash assistance amounting to PHP100,000 — PHP50,000 from DMW and an equal amount from OWWA.
In addition to financial assistance, the returning workers will benefit from skills training vouchers and added financial support courtesy of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They will also undergo psychosocial evaluations and assessments coordinated by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Furthermore, DOH will facilitate initial medical examinations for the returnees, offering additional referral services as required. Those with school-aged children will receive further financial assistance from DSWD.
In terms of reintegration, the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) and the OWWA are gearing up to offer a range of livelihood training and skills development programs for those who decide to settle in the Philippines permanently. They will also aid those seeking new employment opportunities.
Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the commitment of the government to support the returnees, stating that they are ready to provide the necessary aid for those fleeing the conflict. Cacdac is currently representing the Philippines at the ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier in the week, the first batch of OFWs, consisting of 15 caregivers, a hotel worker, and a one-month-old infant, arrived in the Philippines.