Marcos orders sustained OFW repatriation, faster aid amid Middle East tensions
Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to continue repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by escalating tensions in the Middle East and to accelerate assistance for those returning home.
In a statement, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the President ordered the uninterrupted continuation of humanitarian airlift operations, with flights organized by the Department of Migrant Workers.
Recent data show that nearly 1,100 Filipinos have already been repatriated through government-arranged flights, some of which included medical evacuations for those requiring urgent care.
The latest “mercy flight” brought home 343 OFWs and their dependents from Riyadh and Al Khobar, as well as Bahrain, on March 15. Another chartered flight is expected to be deployed before the end of the month.
Evacuation efforts are ongoing in Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with priority given to ensuring the safety of Filipinos in high-risk areas.
Funding for the operations is sourced from the P2-billion AKSYON Fund of the Department of Migrant Workers, ensuring continuous support despite the high cost of airlifts. Returning OFWs are provided with comprehensive assistance, including food, temporary shelter, psychosocial counseling, and medical services.
The government is also strengthening reintegration programs to help repatriates transition to local employment. Recto noted that returning workers’ skills could help fill gaps in key industries, with some agencies already opening job opportunities. Among these is a partnership between the DMW and the Department of Education to hire qualified teachers in public schools.
Whole-of-government response
To address the broader impact of the crisis, particularly rising fuel prices, Recto said the government is enhancing coordination among key agencies.
Following a March 16 meeting, he directed the Department of Budget and Management to fast-track the release of funds for financial aid to transport drivers under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The Department of Transportation was also instructed to expand relief measures, including the Libreng Sakay program, while exploring toll discounts for public utility vehicles and reducing select aviation charges to ease travel costs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture was tasked to maintain stable food supply and prices, particularly for rice, and to intensify support for farmers and fisherfolk.
Officials present during the meeting included Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., and Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
