Manila: A total of 165 Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait arrived in Manila on Tuesday via Cebu Pacific Flight 5J31, as the government continued its coordinated efforts to bring home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by tensions in parts of the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), led by Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other partner agencies, ensured the safe return and provided immediate post-arrival support and reintegration services to the repatriated OFWs upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
"Ang whole-of-government approach ang susi sa mas mabilis na koordinasyon at mas epektibong serbisyo para sa ating mga OFW (The whole-of-government approach is the key to faster coordination and more effective services for our OFWs)," Caunan said. She emphasized the importance of the collaboration between embassies and Migrant Workers Offices abroad and the agencies assisting with reintegration in the Philippines to deliver necessary aid efficiently.
Before their return to the country, the workers underwent pre-departure procedures, including documentation. The repatriation route included a transit stop in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where Philippine officials assisted them to ensure smooth coordination and welfare support before their onward flight to Manila. The Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia, led by Ambassador Raymond Balatbat, played a crucial role in overseeing the transit arrangements for the Filipino workers.
Of the 165 repatriated workers, 22 live in the National Capital Region, 78 in Luzon, 28 in Visayas, and 37 in Mindanao. Upon arrival at NAIA, the returning OFWs were provided with food assistance and special financial aid, while those living outside Metro Manila were temporarily accommodated as they await domestic flights. Others were provided with land transportation assistance to help them return to their respective home regions.
Meanwhile, other government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, SB Corp., Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Commission on Higher Education, are providing livelihood, training, and social protection support for returning workers.
"Sa bilin ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., tumugon ang pamahalaan mula pa noong unang araw ng kaguluhan noong Pebrero at nagpapatuloy ang ating mga operasyon hanggang ngayon. Hindi tumigil ang ating pagtulong (At the behest of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the government has been responding since the first day of the turmoil in February, and our operations continue to this day. Our assistance has not stopped)," Caunan stated.
She noted that the government's emergency repatriation efforts are being funded through the OWWA Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF). Since the crisis in the Middle East region began, nearly 11,000 OFWs and their families have already been brought home to the country, including 6,060 repatriated through OWWA-funded emergency flights.
Meanwhile, Caunan expressed optimism over reports of possible de-escalation in regional tensions, hoping for sustained peace and stability that would benefit Filipino workers abroad. "Anumang balita na magdadala sa mapayapang pagresolba ng sigalot ay aming malugod na tinatanggap. Nananatili tayong umaasa para sa isang pangmatagalan at makatarungang kapayapaan na magbibigay ng seguridad at katatagan sa rehiyon para sa kapakinabangan ng lahat, lalo na ng ating mga OFW na patuloy na nagsusumikap at nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang mga pamilya. (Any news that brings about a peaceful resolution to the conflict is warmly welcomed by us. We continue to hope for a long-lasting and just peace that will provide security and stability in the region for the benefit of all, especially our OFWs who tirelessly strive and sacrifice for their families)," she said.
"Habang nagpapatuloy ang ating pag-asa para sa kapayapaan, nananatili ring handa ang pamahalaan na tumulong at umagapay sa ating mga kababayan saan man sila naroroon (While our hope for peace continues, the government remains ready to help and support our fellow citizens wherever they may be)," she added.
