Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively collaborating with other national agencies to ensure immediate and proper assistance for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis in the Middle East.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo Marquez of the DSWD's Policy and Planning Group stated during a media forum at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City that the department is in continuous coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). This collaboration aims to augment assistance for repatriated Overseas Filipinos and OFWs.

DSWD personnel have already provided initial psychosocial intervention to 410 repatriated OFWs during a 'salubong activity' with DMW, OWWA, and the Department of Health (DOH) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The department is also preparing for the possibility of more repatriations if the conflict in the Middle East escalates.

With over 2 million OFWs currently working in the Gulf region, the DSWD is closely coordinating with relevant agencies to ensure that necessary assistance mechanisms are ready for returning Filipinos. Marquez emphasized the department's readiness to assist and its role in welcoming returning OFWs at the airport alongside other government agencies.

The DSWD is also in close contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs to obtain updated information regarding Filipinos who may be repatriated soon. Upon arrival, repatriated OFWs will be assessed by trained DSWD social workers to determine the appropriate form of assistance needed.

In addition to psychosocial intervention, financial aid may be provided through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program and livelihood assistance through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, based on the assessment of DSWD social workers. Assistance includes PHP7,000 for employment facilitation and PHP20,000 in seed capital for microenterprise development.

Marquez expressed gratitude for the support from the Singapore government, which has committed to providing a military aircraft to transport Filipinos and other ASEAN nationals from affected areas in the Middle East. This initiative highlights the effective cooperation among ASEAN member states during crises.