Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is intensifying efforts to provide jobs, training, and business support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from the Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions. Following a meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council's (PSAC) Education and Jobs Sector Group, Marcos emphasized that the reintegration of displaced workers is the government's top priority.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the government's commitment to accelerating skills training programs to help returning workers quickly re-enter the labor force. He noted that support will also be extended to OFWs who wish to start their own businesses, including providing access to financing.

This initiative comes as thousands of OFWs have been repatriated or affected by disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, which hosts a significant number of Filipino migrant workers. The government is actively looking for ways to assist these workers in finding new job opportunities.

In addition to immediate support, discussions with the private sector also focused on long-term job creation strategies, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the economy. Marcos expressed confidence in the strong alignment between government and private sector proposals to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

'We are very much in agreement with the private sector advisers on what needs to be done,' Marcos stated, underscoring the collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by returning OFWs.