Manila: The local government has extended cash assistance to 42 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were repatriated from the Middle East. Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay said Wednesday that each beneficiary received PHP10,000 in aid, distributed in two batches. Eighteen beneficiaries received their assistance on Monday, while 24 received theirs in May.

According to Philippines News Agency, the beneficiaries may also avail themselves of either a livelihood package or a scholarship program, depending on their choice. The livelihood assistance ranges from PHP15,000 to PHP30,000, based on the approved proposal. Aside from the city government's cash aid, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provides an additional PHP10,000 assistance, Umadhay said.

PESO-Iloilo City has profiled more than 1,000 city residents working in the Middle East. Of these, 76 were recorded as repatriated workers, three of whom have already returned overseas for employment. Umadhay said the office aims to complete the profiling of the remaining repatriates as they secure documents proving their employment in the Middle East.

Mayor Raisa Tre±as, who led the distribution at Iloilo City Hall, said the city government would help repatriated workers find jobs locally if they choose to stay. 'We have other assistance; if you want to upskill or add to your knowledge, we also have trainings,' Tre±as said.