Recto: Gov't-arranged flights for Pinoys in Middle East will continue

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said Wednesday that government-arranged flights to bring home Filipinos affected by the Middle East crisis would continue.

“The instructions of the President is clear. To keep the humanitarian airlift going. Kaya itong Air DMW ni Secretary Hans itutuloy,” Recto said in a press release.

The Office of the Executive Secretary said close to 1,100 Filipinos have boarded repatriation flights arranged by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Recto said the flights also served as medical evacuations for sick Filipinos.

On March 16, Recto convened key frontline agencies to ensure full government coordination and accelerate the delivery of support in response to rising fuel prices.

Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr., Recto ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to immediately release funds for cash assistance to transport drivers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

He also tasked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fast-track and expand relief measures, including the Libreng Sakay program, to ease the burden on commuters, workers, students, and Filipino families.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), meanwhile, has been instructed to keep food prices stable and supplies secure, especially for rice. —AOL, GMA Integrated News