First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos embarked on a quiet trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia last week. What may have seemed like a simple visit carried a deeper message that transcended borders: hope.

Mrs. Marcos paid a visit to Bahay Kalinga, where distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents have been staying while awaiting repatriation.

The First Lady sat with them and listened to their stories of hardship, quiet strength and hope.

“Got teary-eyed after spending time with the courageous mothers and their beautiful children at Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh,” she said.

“These brave women at the female shelter have endured pain that most of us will never know — yet they still smiled, looked after one another, and held on to hope. Their strength was quiet but undeniable,” she added.

Mrs. Marcos noted that each of their stories is a reminder that behind every OFW is a family holding on to hope and fighting for a better life.

The First Lady’s visit was not just to check on them — it was to share the good news that they’re finally coming home.

On President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instructions, agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) facilitated the repatriation of 43 distressed OFWs and eight of their dependents, including those with medical needs.

Repatriates received financial and reintegration assistance of over P130,000, with P50,000 given by DMW, P10,000 by OWWA, including the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” aid.

The DSWD also gave them P10,000 in addition to P60,000 from the Office of the President.

The First Lady also distributed luggage and travel essentials to the repatriates.

For Filipinos living in the Visayas and Mindanao, OWWA arranged transportation and temporary accommodations.

“The President’s marching orders were clear: bring government services closer to our OFWs because no matter where they are in the world, Filipinos deserve care, support, and attention from their government,” Mrs. Marcos said.