Sixteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) safely returned to the Philippines from Kuwait aboard Kuwait Airways Flight KU417, which arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City early Tuesday morning, 28 July.

Upon their arrival, the returning OFWs were immediately assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in cooperation with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure the smooth processing of their arrival and to immediately provide the necessary airport assistance.

As part of the Alagang OWWA program, the repatriated OFWs received food, financial assistance, and temporary hotel accommodation, if necessary.

Following their safe return home, the OWWA will continue to support the repatriated OFWs through the regional welfare offices, which will provide reintegration services, livelihood assistance, employment facilitation, counseling, and other programs that address their needs upon returning to the country.

The government continues to strengthen programs for the protection, welfare, and successful reintegration of OFWs, in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure prompt, comprehensive, and compassionate support for every Filipino worker in any part of the world.

The government will continue to strengthen its support and immediate response to the needs of the OFWs. This was assured by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac following the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Meanwhile, President Marcos emphasized that through the DMW and OWWA, services dedicated to OFWs will be further expanded, including the AKSYON Fund for immediate financial and legal assistance, the teintegration program for returning to the country, livelihood support, and other immediate relief during times of crisis.

"For OFWs, the President mentioned the AKSYON Fund, the reintegration program, and the basic necessities that we deliver onsite—all of these things, we will intensify even further, especially during times of extreme need for our OFWs," Cacdac said in an interview, adding that the administration continues to focus on the welfare and protection of OFWs. NEIL ALCOBER