8 Filipino caregivers from Israel return to PH

Eight Filipino caregivers arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday night, July 3, following their repatriation from Israel under the government's voluntary return program for overseas Filipino workers in conflict-affected areas.

In a press statement, the Department of Migrant Workers said the caregivers landed aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 0737 and were received by DMW officials as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and medical teams from the Manila International Airport Authority.

They will be provided temporary housing, transportation assistance, and health checkups through public health facilities and the OFW Hospital, according to officials.

Quiet resilience behind every return

One of the returning caregivers, Shirley Pita, had worked abroad for 20 years and had not seen home for 15. Fighting back emotion, she expressed gratitude not only for the assistance but also for the chance to come home.

“Maraming salamat, unang una sa Diyos, at sa mga tumulong sa amin—mula sa embahada hanggang sa pagdating dito sa airport. Hindi kami pinabayaan,” she said.

(Thank you, first to God, and to all those who helped us—from the embassy to our arrival at the airport. We were not neglected.)

This group represents the 38th batch of repatriated OFWs from Israel since the government began its voluntary return program in October 2023. It is also the second group to arrive since the escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran earlier this year.

The DMW and OWWA have committed to providing pathways for livelihood, employment, and health assistance for returnees. —AOL, GMA Integrated News