Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to provide comprehensive assistance to repatriated overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), with more than 4,000 beneficiaries served as of May 5.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD's assistance covers psychosocial and psychological support, financial and medical aid from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, and livelihood opportunities through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), as part of the government's ongoing efforts to help returning OFWs recover and rebuild their lives.
DSWD Assistant Secretary for Protective Programs of the Operations Group Ada Colico emphasized that the department remains committed to providing holistic support to OFWs affected by the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. Colico stated that the DSWD continues to provide comprehensive assistance to repatriated OFWs to help them recover and start anew together with their families.
Based on the latest data, a total of 4,193 OFWs were provided with psychological first aid by the DSWD Central Office, with an additional 156 assisted by its field offices in Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and Caraga. For financial assistance, 921 OFWs have received aid totaling PHP4,837,500; with the highest number of beneficiaries recorded in Calabarzon with 219 and Caraga with 105.
The DSWD has also extended medical assistance worth PHP300,000 to one repatriated Filipino. Meanwhile, under the SLP, six repatriated OFWs have been granted livelihood assistance worth PHP20,000 each, as part of the first tranche of aid for individual beneficiaries. SLP Director Marife Leon earlier said more than 100 other OFWs have been referred to the program, with several of them already undergoing project proposal development.
In total, the DSWD has disbursed PHP 5,257,500 in assistance to repatriated OFWs. Colico assured that the DSWD will continue to coordinate with partner agencies to expand support services and reach more OFWs in need, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure repatriated Filipinos receive adequate assistance and opportunities for recovery and community reintegration.
These interventions form part of the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, which aims to deliver unified, responsive, and sustained support for Filipinos affected by the Middle East crisis.
