The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured that the Philippine government stands ready to provide immediate assistance, including repatriation, financial support, and reintegration aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
“This is a voluntary repatriation effort under Alert Level 3. Our government is ready, and all necessary support is in place for those who choose to come home,” OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said during a press briefing on Tuesday at the OWWA main office in Pasay City.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicitas Bay, meanwhile, confirmed that 31 OFWs from conflict-affected areas are expected to arrive in Manila Tuesday night, accompanied by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, who flew over the weekend to personally assess the situation and oversee repatriation efforts.
“Thirty one OFWs po, kasama ni Secretary Hans Cacdac and kasama din po niya si Assistant Secretary Legazpi ng aming land-based concerns. Yung darating po mamaya ay 26 from Israel and they crossed the border to reach Amman, Jordan, and meron tayong additional na three from Amman, Jordan and one from West Bank (31 OFWs, including Secretary Hans Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Legazpi, are also with us for our land-based concerns. 26 of those arriving later are from Israel and they crossed the border to reach Amman, Jordan, and we have an additional three from Amman, Jordan and one from the West Bank),” she said.
She added that while the group was waiting at the airport, another OFW was accounted for, a regular repatriate from Qatar from the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) shelter, bringing the total number to 31.
The repatriation was complicated by the temporary closure of Qatari airspace following Iran’s missile attacks, which delayed flights.
Bay said that so far, 311 OFWs in Israel have requested repatriation, although only 96 have confirmed, including those arriving Tuesday.
Another batch of 50 is scheduled for June 26 or 27, while 20 more are being processed.
Both Bay and Caunan noted that many OFWs are still weighing their options whether to avail of the Philippine government’s voluntary repatriation program due to safety concerns or personal and employment considerations.
“There are OFWs who have second thoughts because of land travel risks or strong ties with their employers. We respect their decision and continue to reach out,” Bay said.
Caunan emphasized that the government’s assistance extends to both documented and undocumented workers.
“We don’t ask about their status when it comes to helping them. The mandate is clear, assist every Filipino who needs help, wherever they are, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Each of the returning OFWs under the first batch will receive PHP150,000 in financial assistance from OWWA and DMW, and will also be provided food, hygiene kits, counseling, and temporary shelter upon arrival.
Caunan said that more than 470 OFWs in Israel have already received assistance on the ground.
Reintegration and coordination
DMW Assistance Secretary Dominique Tutay said the DMW and OWWA are coordinating closely with various agencies to support OFWs’ reintegration.
Programs include job placement through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), skills training via TESDA, and livelihood support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
“Reintegration is not just about finding a job. There are also opportunities for livelihood and entrepreneurship. We’re taking a whole-of-government approach to help our kababayans transition successfully,” Tutay said.
Meanwhile, Caunan said affected OFWs may reach authorities via the DMW-OWWA hotline 1348, and their social media channels for real-time updates and guidance.
She also urged the public to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading misinformation.
Caunan also assured that the government has enough resources to assist OFWs affected by the Middle East conflict.
“There’s enough funding for repatriation,” Caunan said, citing OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund and the DMW’s Action Fund.
“We’ve done this before, and we’re fully prepared to do it again,” she added. (PNA)
