Repatriation, reintegration efforts must be prioritized for returning OFWs — Bong Go

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has reiterated the urgency of providing repatriation support and eventually, reintegration plans for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning from Israel and Lebanon, in the light of escalating tensions in the region.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said a comprehensive repatriation and reintegration program should be in place to cater to the varying needs of returning OFWs.

"Unang una, siguraduhin natin ang kanilang kaligtasan. Tulungan dapat silang makalikas sa ligtas na lugar at maiuwi sa kanilang mga pamilya dito. Pagkatapos ay dapat mayroon tayong handa at maayos na sistema ng suporta na makakapagbigay ng job counseling, skills retraining, at mga serbisyo sa mental health, at iba pa. It's about empowering our OFWs to restart their lives here with dignity and hope," Go remarked.

"Mahirap ang pinagdaanan nila doon. Nawalan na sila ng trabaho, may trauma pa yan dahil sa kaguluhan na naranasan nila. Ibigay dapat sa kanila ang sapat na suporta at pag-aaruga pag-uwi nila sa kanilang inang bayan upang makabangon muli," he stressed.

Once the OFWs return home, Go called on the government to ensure that reintegration programs are made readily available for them to overcome the trauma they experienced and be able to recover.

"Our kababayans are coming home under distressing circumstances. It is the government's responsibility to extend all possible support to these modern-day heroes," said Go.

"Aside from possible employment opportunities, the government must be ready to provide assistance for their physical and psychological well-being, temporary housing if needed, and the welfare of their families as well," he added.

The Philippine government has approved voluntary repatriation for Filipinos in Lebanon amid brewing tension in the region while the situation in Israel is particularly concerning, with Israel intensifying its bombings in Gaza. With this, Go emphasized the need for both the government and OFWs to take proactive steps to ensure their safety.

The senator urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and provide timely updates to OFWs and their families.

"Our OFWs are hailed as modern-day heroes, and it's only fitting that we ensure their safety wherever they are in the world. Once they return to the Philippines, the government must also be prepared to provide them with the necessary support as they reintegrate into society, bringing with them skills and experiences acquired overseas," he said.

Furthermore, the senator emphasized the need for local government units (LGUs) to play an active role in the reintegration process. He encouraged LGUs to work closely with national agencies in identifying the needs of returning OFWs within their respective localities and to develop localized reintegration programs.

Go said the reintegration support should be a priority as it greatly impacts not only the returning OFWs but also their families and the local communities they will be rejoining.

The senator also conveyed his condolences to the families of OFWs who have lost their lives in the conflict. The remains of Loreta Alacre, an OFW killed by Hamas militants, recently arrived in Manila. Another Filipino caregiver was wounded but managed to escape the Hamas attack.

Go has been a staunch supporter of the welfare of OFWs and was one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, which led to the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

"The DMW Act was designed to protect our OFWs. Now, more than ever, it's time to put this law into action to protect our kababayans," Go emphasized.

Go also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2414 or the "OFW Ward Act." If passed into law, every hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) across the country will have a specialized ward for OFWs and their family members who require hospitalization.

Go has also filed SBN 2297, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga and ensure its continuous operation by providing sufficient support through necessary funding, personnel, and equipment. The bill aims to improve healthcare services for OFWs and their families by strengthening the existing facility and allocating necessary funds for its maintenance and operation.