Pangasinan: Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh on Monday visited the wake of Mary Ann de Vera, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel. "I'm basically representing the state of Israel. And on behalf of the state of Israel, we came to give a big hug to the family of Mary Ann, who lost her life while being a selfless caregiver and taking care of a wonderful lady in Israel. And we came to provide comfort to the grieving parents, the brother, [an] OFW in Qatar, and also the husband that I met in the airport a few days back," she said in an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kursh expressed her hope for safety and peace in the region, stating, "And God willing, I hope that they all will be safe and sound. And that peace and quiet will come back to the Middle East at large and to Israel in specific." She emphasized the importance of comforting the family and attempting to ease their pain, acknowledging that while they cannot return Mary Ann, they can support her family during this difficult time.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, who also visited the wake, mentioned that the family received assistance from the Israeli government based on past incidents involving OFWs. She explained that De Vera's active OWWA membership entitles her family to various forms of assistance, including first aid worth PHP200,000, burial assistance, and special financial assistance, totaling around PHP220,000 to PHP250,000.
Caunan highlighted Mary Ann's dedication to her work, calling her a hero for her selflessness. "She did not leave her patient, the one she is taking care of. She did not become selfish. She could have prioritized herself. That is the true Filipino, the sacrifice of an OFW," she said.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III noted that the swift repatriation of Mary Ann's remains alleviated some of the family's anxiety. The provincial government provided initial assistance and offered a job to Mary Ann's husband, Bernie Lavarias, should he choose not to return to Israel. Guico urged other Pangasinense OFWs in the Middle East to take precautions and coordinate with local embassies.
Meanwhile, Caunan reported that the first chartered flight of the OWWA through Philippine Airlines flew from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, and additional flights are being arranged to assist OFWs affected by the conflict. "As we speak, there are those being transferred from Israel to Egypt," she said, emphasizing the government's readiness to support OFWs with repatriation and other necessary assistance.
