Thirty overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who recently returned to the country following various crisis situations received cash assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac led the distribution ceremony in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The financial support was disbursed through the agency’s Regional Office 3 under the AKSYON Fund, which forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s UPLIFT assistance initiative.

The beneficiaries returned from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong.

According to officials, 13 of the workers were forced to return due to medical conditions, while others were victims of physical abuse, contract violations and human trafficking.

Cacdac urged the recipients to manage the aid responsibly as they rebuild their lives back home.

“The purpose of providing these benefits is to help you bridge the gap after your experience abroad and give you a fresh start,” Cacdac said. “Value the money and take care of it.”

Prior to receiving the financial aid, the returning workers completed a financial literacy seminar covering budgeting, saving and managing funds.