Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed concerned agencies to sustain the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and ensure the swift delivery of assistance to those in need. In a statement on Wednesday, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the President's instructions were clear to continue the government's humanitarian airlift operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, nearly 1,100 Filipinos have been repatriated through arranged flights. Some of these flights also served as medical evacuations, including those for sick Filipinos requiring immediate care. Recto noted that the most recent 'mercy flight' brought home 343 OFWs and their dependents from Riyadh and Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia, as well as Bahrain, on March 15. Another chartered flight is being arranged before the end of the month.
Ongoing evacuation efforts are also being carried out in Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with priority given to the safety of Filipinos in affected areas. Recto stated that the funding for the operations comes from the PHP2-billion Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund under the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), ensuring sustained support for distressed OFWs despite the high cost of chartered flights. He assured that there are enough funds to continue the operations of the shuttle service and added that returning Filipinos receive comprehensive assistance, including food, temporary shelter, psychosocial counseling, and medical services.
Recto mentioned that the government is also strengthening the reintegration program to help returning OFWs transition to local employment, highlighting that their globally competitive skills could help address workforce gaps in key industries. Some agencies have already opened employment pathways for repatriates, including a partnership between the DMW and the Department of Education to hire qualified Filipino teachers in public schools.
Furthermore, Recto announced that the government is ramping up coordination among key agencies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the country. He convened a meeting with frontline agencies on March 16 to accelerate the rollout of assistance measures, following directives from the President. Recto ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to expedite the release of funds for cash assistance to transport drivers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
He also directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand relief measures, including the Libreng Sakay program, to ease the burden of the commuting public. Additional measures include securing toll fee discounts for public utility vehicles and reducing select aviation charges to reduce airline costs and fares. The Department of Agriculture (DA) was instructed to ensure stable food supply and prices, particularly for rice, while scaling up support for farmers and fisherfolk to protect livelihoods and sustain food production.
Officials present at the meeting were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo.
