31 OFWs repatriated from Middle East, receive PHP150K support

The repatriation of 31 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East, initially delayed due to airspace restrictions following Iran's attack on a US military base in Doha, resumed with their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 via Qatar Airways flight QR 934 and additional flights on Thursday.

The group includes 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar, welcomed by DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac along with officials from the DOH, DSWD, and TESDA. Nine OFWs specifically from Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur returned home after tensions between Iran and Israel.

Each repatriate received PHP150,000 in financial support and immediate airport assistance including temporary accommodations and transport to their home provinces, while an additional PHP 10,000 cash assistance was provided by the DSWD. The OFWs from Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur also received PHP75,000 each from OWWA and DMW.

The DOH will offer free healthcare services and psychosocial counseling for all repatriates affected by the Iran-Israel conflict, with special attention given to those experiencing post-traumatic stress or requiring medical treatment.

DMW assured long-term support through livelihood programs, employment referrals, TESDA training vouchers, and business mentorship from DTI for returning OFWs, encouraging them to avail of the voluntary repatriation program under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas initiative.