25 more OFWs from Israel back in Philippines — DMW

Twenty-five overseas Filipino caregivers from Israel have returned safely to the Philippines and reunited with their families after availing of the government’s voluntary repatriation program. 

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), they arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on July 6.

The repatriation was part of the ongoing effort of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad, especially amid the continuing Iran-Israel conflict. 

The returning OFWs were welcomed by a whole-of-government team led by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

"Nag-aalala ang Pangulo sa kalagayan ninyo, pero masaya na siya na nakauwi na kayo. At bilin niya ay mahalagang makarating ang tulong ng gobyerno sa inyo. Kaya ang hiling namin ay gamitin ng wasto ang financial assistance," Cacdac was quoted in a statement as saying.

(The President is worried about your situation, but he’s happy now that you’re home. He instructed us to make sure government aid reaches you. So we ask that you use the financial assistance wisely.)

The DMW, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) headed by Administrator PY Caunan, provided financial aid to the returnees through key programs such as the AKSYON Fund and the Emergency Repatriation Fund. 

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended separate cash assistance.

The repatriated workers also received TESDA training vouchers for skills upgrading, medical checkups, and health referrals from the Department of Health (DOH). 

Medical teams from the DOH and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) provided immediate health screenings upon arrival.

"Mabuti na lang po may financial assistance na binigay sa amin, magagamit namin ito sa pagtatayo ng maliit na negosyo," said OFW Nelizza Baldrias from Calaca, Batangas.

(It’s a good thing we were given financial assistance; we can use it to start a small business.)

The 25 caregivers are part of the 39th batch of OFWs repatriated from Israel under the Marcos administration’s voluntary repatriation initiative. A total of 72 Filipinos have returned from Israel since tensions flared in the region.

Since October 2023, a total of 1,405 Filipino migrant workers have been repatriated under President Marcos Jr.’s directive, as the government continues to prioritize the protection and reintegration of overseas Filipinos. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News