DSWD ready to assist repatriating Filipinos from Israel

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced Thursday it is ready to assist distressed overseas Filipinos should a mandatory repatriation be ordered due to the conflict between Iran and Israel.

At least 150 Filipinos have sought repatriation from Israel as tensions escalate, with the Department of Migrant Workers expecting to bring them home soon under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive.

PSB-CIU Director Edwin Morata stated that social workers are prepared to assist returning Filipinos and their families with essential interventions such as medical, food, transportation, legal, funeral, livelihood assistance, and mental health support.

The DSWD is also coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in its series of 'Serbisyo Caravan' initiatives to help overseas Filipino workers access government services.

These caravans provide a comprehensive one-stop shop for essential services, including information dissemination, counseling, and highlighting various programs offered by the DSWD.

On June 8, the OFW Serbisyo Caravan went to Hong Kong where at least 154 OFWs availed themselves of 544 different services provided by the DSWD.