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Advocates Philippines
First Batch Of OFWs Safely Repatriated From Middle East Under Marcos Administration's Coordinated Response
Photo credit: DMW
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to protect the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during times of crisis, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), successfully repatriated the first batch of OFWs from conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.
The repatriated group, composed of 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar, arrived safely at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on the evening of June 24, 2025. They were accompanied on their journey home by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Veneciao Legaspi, who both joined them from Amman, Jordan.
“This repatriation is the result of a coordinated, one-country effort as instructed by the President,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at the DFA, especially Secretary Enrique Manalo, Secretary Theresa Lazaro, and our ambassadors and officers stationed across the region. Their on-the-ground efforts, along with the support from our Migrant Workers Offices and OWWA Welfare Officers, were critical in ensuring a smooth and safe return for our kababayans.”
The group’s flight was initially delayed due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace amid regional security tensions but resumed as soon as conditions allowed.
“What matters most is that we’re back home—safe and sound,” Cacdac added.
Upon arrival, each returning OFW received immediate financial assistance amounting to Php 150,000 from the DMW and OWWA, along with airport assistance, temporary accommodations, and onward travel arrangements to their home provinces.
Representatives from various government agencies were also present to provide essential support services. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed that the Department of Health (DOH) is offering medical care to a repatriated cancer patient and a pregnant OFW, as well as mental health assessments for all returnees.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, TESDA Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and DFA Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer were also on hand to extend psychosocial support and skill development opportunities.
The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will continue to support returnees in rebuilding their lives—offering livelihood assistance, TESDA skills training vouchers, and DTI-led business mentoring.
Secretary Cacdac reiterated the government’s commitment to help all OFWs in need. “We encourage our fellow OFWs to consider voluntary repatriation if they feel at risk. Rest assured, when they return, a full support system is ready for them—from emergency aid to long-term reintegration. This is the essence of the Bagong Pilipinas approach: coordinated, compassionate, and comprehensive.”
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan highlighted the emotional moments shared by families reuniting with loved ones. “What truly matters is the happiness and love felt by every family tonight. This reunion is what makes our efforts meaningful,” she said.
As of today, 311 repatriation requests from OFWs in Israel have been recorded, with 50 more OFWs scheduled to return home in the coming days.
The repatriated group, composed of 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar, arrived safely at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on the evening of June 24, 2025. They were accompanied on their journey home by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Veneciao Legaspi, who both joined them from Amman, Jordan.
“This repatriation is the result of a coordinated, one-country effort as instructed by the President,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “We are deeply grateful to our colleagues at the DFA, especially Secretary Enrique Manalo, Secretary Theresa Lazaro, and our ambassadors and officers stationed across the region. Their on-the-ground efforts, along with the support from our Migrant Workers Offices and OWWA Welfare Officers, were critical in ensuring a smooth and safe return for our kababayans.”
The group’s flight was initially delayed due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace amid regional security tensions but resumed as soon as conditions allowed.
“What matters most is that we’re back home—safe and sound,” Cacdac added.
Upon arrival, each returning OFW received immediate financial assistance amounting to Php 150,000 from the DMW and OWWA, along with airport assistance, temporary accommodations, and onward travel arrangements to their home provinces.
Representatives from various government agencies were also present to provide essential support services. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa confirmed that the Department of Health (DOH) is offering medical care to a repatriated cancer patient and a pregnant OFW, as well as mental health assessments for all returnees.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, TESDA Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and DFA Assistant Secretary Robert Ferrer were also on hand to extend psychosocial support and skill development opportunities.
The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will continue to support returnees in rebuilding their lives—offering livelihood assistance, TESDA skills training vouchers, and DTI-led business mentoring.
Secretary Cacdac reiterated the government’s commitment to help all OFWs in need. “We encourage our fellow OFWs to consider voluntary repatriation if they feel at risk. Rest assured, when they return, a full support system is ready for them—from emergency aid to long-term reintegration. This is the essence of the Bagong Pilipinas approach: coordinated, compassionate, and comprehensive.”
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan highlighted the emotional moments shared by families reuniting with loved ones. “What truly matters is the happiness and love felt by every family tonight. This reunion is what makes our efforts meaningful,” she said.
As of today, 311 repatriation requests from OFWs in Israel have been recorded, with 50 more OFWs scheduled to return home in the coming days.
Jun 25, 2025
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