13 MORE OFWS FROM ISRAEL RETURN HOME

ANOTHER batch of 13 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Friday returned home safely from Israel.

The 13 caregivers and hotel workers arrived at the  NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City, reflecting the whole-of-government team’s continued efforts on assisting distressed workers in the Middle East pursuant to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

The repatriated workers were provided with comprehensive reintegration support including livelihood, health, and welfare programs, as well as TESDA training vouchers for OFWs’ smooth transition to new life.

On behalf of DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, the OFWs were welcomed by a whole-of-government team led by DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay and Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Galias, together with OWWA Deputy Administrator Ryan Uy, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the MIAA Medical Team.

“Hindi madali ang inyong pinagdaanan sa ibang bansa lalo na sa gitna ng kaguluhan, kaya naman sisiguraduhin namin na mabibigyan kayo ng sapat na tulong at suporta sa inyong reintegration,” Tutay reassured.

Upon arrival, the repatriates underwent health checks conducted by the MIAA Medical Team and received immediate financial assistance as a safety net, including the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Fund, DSWD assistance, and TESDA training vouchers while ensuring their comfort after long hours of travel.

Among the repatriated caregivers was Josephine Sanglitan Sandoi, 51-year-old from Davao City who has worked in Israel for almost two decades.

Sandoi shared how a missile struck very near their shelter, injuring some of her co-workers, and how they survived the fear during the attack.

This additional group of repatriates completes Batch 38-B’s total of 21 OFWs repatriated from Israel under the government’s voluntary repatriation program facilitated by the DMW and its partner agencies.

“Wala na pong iniisip ang ating mahal na Pangulo kundi ang inyong kaligtasan. Welcome back, mga Kababayan!,” Tutay said.