Quezon city: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez underscored DSWD's continued provision of psychosocial and livelihood support for repatriated overseas Filipinos (OFs) and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa National Reintegration Network (NRN) and Job Fair on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD joined the Bayanihan NRN Fair organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) held at the Quezon City Meeting, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Center which gathered more than 500 OFs/OFWs recently repatriated from the Middle East.
In her message, Romualdez emphasized that the DSWD remains committed to ensuring immediate and holistic assistance for repatriates. She reiterated the department's responsibility to ensure that each repatriated OFW receives prompt assistance and adequate support to start anew, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
OFW beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the initiative and thanked the President for the employment opportunities provided by the job fair. Rodel Nanadiego appreciated the government's efforts in supporting returning OFWs affected by the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. Angelica Robel also acknowledged the benefits received from various government agencies, which greatly assisted her return to the country.
Romualdez stated that the DSWD has mobilized dedicated teams to assist OFWs upon arrival. The department has seven teams of social workers stationed at the airport 24/7 to address the needs of OFWs. As of March 29, a total of 1,829 repatriated OFWs have received psychosocial first aid through the DSWD's 'OFW Salubong' assistance at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Villamor Air Base.
In addition to psychosocial support, financial, medical, and livelihood assistance have been extended through the department's regional field offices. A total of 946 OFWs have expressed interest in availing themselves of other DSWD programs. Romualdez also mentioned the DSWD's sustained efforts to provide comprehensive psychosocial support through its WiSupport program.
In line with the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), the DSWD continues to strengthen its livelihood interventions for affected sectors, including repatriated OFWs. The department's Sustainable Livelihood Program is open to OFWs to help them recover and start anew.
As part of the activity, the DSWD, through its Crisis Intervention Program, set up a psychosocial first aid station to provide immediate mental health and emotional support to returning OFWs. The Bayanihan NRN Fair, organized by the Department of Migrant Workers, brought together key government agencies to provide employment opportunities, skills training, and reintegration assistance, ensuring that every returning OFW is supported, protected, and empowered to rebuild their lives back home.
Other government agencies that participated in the Bayanihan NRN Fair included the Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Health, and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
