OFW repatriated from Middle East awaits aid packages

The government has assured that repatriating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will receive assistance, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In a Palace briefing on Monday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the President has ordered a whole-of-government approach, mandating interagency mobilization to ensure that Filipinos in the Middle East are properly assisted and supported.

Cacdac said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is convening a meeting to consolidate medical responses, including online medical consultations and psychosocial support services through the Department of Health (DOH).

“From the DICT, si Sec. Henry Aguda directed that all telcos will do everything to make sure connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained and instructed the regional offices to provide free connections to anyone who would like to reach out to their family members and loved ones in affected areas,” Cacdac added.

The DMW secretary also assured that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is prepared to extend assistance to returning Filipinos.

Cacdac said he also met with Trade Secretary Cristina Roque to discuss reintegration and livelihood programs for those who have returned or are expected to return in the coming days and weeks, should tensions continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, Cacdac expressed readiness to assist OFWs who will be displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, noting that employment options are available for them.

Affected OFWs may explore redeployment opportunities through their recruitment agencies, including possible transfers to other countries, he said.

The DMW also maintains a database of job orders abroad where returning workers may apply.

For local employment, the DMW is coordinating with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through public employment service offices nationwide, as well as with Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco for tourism-related livelihood opportunities.

In terms of training, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Francisco “Kiko” Benitez is aligned with the DMW to provide reskilling and retooling programs for returning OFWs.

Private-sector partners, including SM Group’s Tessie Sy Coson, have likewise expressed support by providing livelihood opportunities and assisting with product marketing through malls and other establishments.

Under current regulations, repatriated OFWs, particularly those from conflict-stricken areas in the Middle East, are eligible for a total of P150,000 in cash assistance, consisting of P75,000 from the DMW and P75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as part of a broader government repatriation, reintegration, and livelihood support program.