The Philippine government has started a program to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) come home from the dangerous conflict between Israel and Iran. The program is voluntary, and the workers can choose if they want to return.
Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the head of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), said help will be given to all OFWs, even those without legal papers. She added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants full support for the returning workers.
31 OFWs Arrive Safely in Manila
On Tuesday night, 31 OFWs came home to Manila. Most of them were from Israel. Some came from Amman, Jordan, the West Bank, and Qatar. Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), including Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, helped with the travel and checked on the situation.
The trip home was delayed because of flight changes due to missile attacks and airspace problems in Qatar.
So far, 311 OFWs in Israel have asked to come home. But only 96 have confirmed, while the others are still deciding because of safety concerns and work responsibilities.
Financial and Job Support for Returnees
Every OFW who returns will get PHP150,000 in cash, food, hygiene kits, free counseling, and temporary shelter. More than 470 OFWs who are still in Israel have also received help.
Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay said that the government is helping OFWs find new jobs, learn new skills, and start small businesses. Different government offices like DOLE, TESDA, DTI, DA, and DOST are working together to help them.
The goal is not just to give jobs but also to help OFWs start new lives and be successful again in the Philippines.
OWWA and DMW are working closely to support all returnees. OFWs are advised to contact hotline 1348 or visit official social media pages for updates.
Caunan said that the government has enough funds, including the OWWA Emergency Repatriation Fund and the DMW Action Fund, to support all returning OFWs.
She also reminded everyone to trust only official news and not to share false information online.
More OFWs are expected to come home on June 26 and 27. The government is now preparing for what may be the biggest OFW rescue operation this year.
Still, many Filipinos are unsure whether to leave, as the situation in the region remains dangerous.
