For the first time in Philippine history, a First Lady personally visited a shelter for distressed overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia, bringing with her not just a message of hope, but a promise of homecoming.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos made her way to Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh, where she met with women and children waiting to be repatriated. Inside the temporary shelter, she listened to the personal stories of struggle, strength, and survival of Filipino workers who had fallen on hard times.

The room turned emotional when the First Lady made a heartfelt announcement: they were finally going home. What followed were tearful embraces, cheers, and a chorus of gratitude that echoed across the shelter.

Working under the direct orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., government agencies including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) mobilized to bring 43 distressed OFWs and eight minor dependents, some with urgent medical needs back to the Philippines.

Upon their arrival in Manila, each repatriate received assistance and support for reintegration. Aid packages included P50,000 from DMW, P10,000 each from OWWA and DSWD, "Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" livelihood aid, and ₱60,000 from the Office of the President. The First Lady also gifted them travel luggage and other essentials, while OWWA helped arrange transport and accommodation for those returning to provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao.

“The First Lady visited the shelter. We were so happy to see her in person, and we are grateful to PBBM for helping us return to the Philippines. Thank you very much,” said Ana M. Dimalen, one of the repatriates.

Beyond the shelter visit, the First Lady participated in the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, where OFWs were able to access frontline government services in one location. Agencies including PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG, DTI, Landbank, PAO, and the PSA were present, marking a first-of-its-kind effort to streamline government support for Filipinos abroad.

The First Lady capped the day at the Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA event, an evening celebration filled with music, performances, and stories that reflected the strength and unity of the OFW community.

“Our First Lady’s visit is like a mother’s embrace, a reminder to our OFWs that they are not alone,” said OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. “As the President directed, to make government services felt, we will continue to serve with joy and a true heart.”