As part of the government’s continuing efforts to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the Israel-Iran conflict, a total of 45 OFWs are scheduled to be repatriated in the first week of July.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the OFWs are expected to arrive in Manila in three batches.

In a Malacañang briefing on Thursday, Castro said based on the latest update from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), eight OFWs will arrive on July 3; 12 more will return to the country on July 4; and 25 more will be back in the Philippines on July 6.

Castro said this development proves the government remains steadfast in assisting Filipinos abroad affected by the said conflict.

“Pati po ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan ay makikita po. Kaya po ang sinasabi na walang ginagawa at walang plano ang pamahalaan patungkol sa ating mga kababayan in relation to the Israel-Iran conflict, iyan po ay isang malaking kasinungalingan,” Castro said.

Castro said that the government has successfully repatriated 26 OFWs from conflict areas, while 195 others remain hesitant to return home.

On June 23, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said repatriated OFWs will receive immediate support upon their arrival. This includes PhP150,000 in assistance, accommodation, transport, and livelihood support with training vouchers to help them recover and start again.

President Marcos assured continued government assistance for OFWs who choose to stay home permanently, including skills training, job matching, and startup capital for a new business. | PND