DMW-7 braces for repatriates

The Department of Migrant Workers in Central Visayas announced on Thursday that it is preparing to receive more than 500 overseas Filipino workers who maybe returning to their hometowns from Israel.

DMW-7 officer-in-charge Karl Arriola said around 120 OFWs from Central Visayas working in Israel have confirmed their well-being in a survey, adding that the agency will provide logistical support, psycho-social intervention and financial assistance.

Based on data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in the region, there are 588 OFWs from Central Visayas working in Israel, mostly employed as caregivers.

There are 30,000 OFWs based in Israel.

"We also have a reintegration program. Hopefully, they will avail themselves of it. We must ensure that migration remains only an option. Hopefully, when they arrive, they will also explore other opportunities," Arriola said.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed willingness to assist returning Cebuanos from Israel due to worsening Israel-Hamas war.

"I said that we could help you by giving them priority in our existing livelihood programs such as Sugbo Negosyo, Sugbo Kahanas, the enhanced countryside development program, Sugbusog," Garcia said.

Rama, on the other hand, has directed the Cebu City's Department of Manpower Development and Placement to provide assistance to affected OFWs.

DMW officials led by Undersecretary Bernard Olalia recently visited Garcia and Rama to discuss the possibility of working together to facilitate the deployment of OFWs from Cebu and protect them from illegal recruitment.