Manila: The Philippine government's effort to repatriate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel is ongoing, even though the alert level has been lowered due to reduced tensions in the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported in a news release that eight Filipino caregivers safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Thursday evening on Philippine Airlines flight PR 0737. These individuals are the latest to return as part of the government's repatriation initiative, which commenced in October 2023.
This arrival marks the 38th group repatriated from Israel and the second since the recent Israel-Iran conflict. The group was greeted by DMW Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, along with other DMW officials, and personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Medical Team.
Undersecretary Rubia-Tutay expressed gratitude for the safe arrival of the workers, emphasizing the instructions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac to ensure their safety and well-being.
Upon arrival, the repatriates received hot meals, medical examinations, and immediate financial aid at the airport. The OWWA's Repatriation Assistance Division, led by Noemi Ta±ag, provided accommodation and transport assistance for their journey back to their families.
Shirley Pita, one of the repatriates who worked abroad for 20 years and hadn't been home for 15 years, expressed her gratitude to God, the government, the embassy, and the Migrant Workers Office staff for their care and attention throughout the process.
In accordance with the President's directives, the repatriated workers will receive comprehensive reintegration support from various government agencies to aid in their transition back to life in the Philippines. This includes access to livelihood, health, and welfare programs.
The DMW reiterated that despite eased tensions in the Middle East, the government remains prepared to assist OFWs wishing to return home.
