Legazpi city: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Bicol region who were repatriated due to pandemic-related job losses, conflict in the Middle East, and disruptions in overseas employment have expressed appreciation for government reintegration programs that provide livelihood, employment, and social protection assistance.
According to Philippines News Agency, this was highlighted during the Bayanihan Para Sa Balikbayang Manggagawa: A national reintegration network activity in Rawis, Legazpi City, where returning OFWs availed of various services from participating government agencies. Among the attendees was Jobert Refareal, 38, from Pamplona, Camarines Sur, who worked as a maintenance technician in Dubai for 10 years. He opted for the government's voluntary repatriation program in March due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
During the activity, Refareal learned about the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program and received free medicines from the Department of Health as part of the integrated services offered to returning OFWs under the one-stop reintegration initiative. Michelle Honda, 51, who worked in Abu Dhabi for 13 years, transitioned into the education sector through the 'Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma'am at Sir (SPIMS)' program of the Department of Education. She now teaches mathematics at Buyuan National High School.
Joean Blazo, 33, who worked as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, initially discovered the SPIMS program while still abroad and was unsure of its legitimacy. After applying online and completing the requirements, she was hired by the Department of Education, helping her rebuild her career in government service. Aldwin John Broqueza, an electrical engineer from Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, faced job instability due to global tensions in the oil and gas sector, leading him to return home.
Merry Christ Joely Eguia, spokesperson for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) 5 in Bicol, explained that the 'Balikbayang Manggagawa: A National Reintegration Network Regional Fair' is a partnership with DepEd-5 to provide services for repatriated OFWs. The initiative highlights programs such as SPIMS, which helps qualified OFWs transition into teaching careers in the country. Eguia noted that the program continues to expand through inter-agency collaboration to ensure more returning OFWs gain access to sustainable jobs and livelihood opportunities.
At least 30 repatriated OFWs attended the event, and plans are underway for a larger event to accommodate more OFWs. Other government agencies, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, also presented their programs during the activity.
