Repatriated OFWs from Middle East receive
assistance from DMW
By Nora
L. Molde
Repatriated OFWs affected by the Middle East crisis
participate in the ‘Kumustahan’ session facilitated by DMW Caraga, held on
April 28, 2026, in Butuan City, providing a safe space for sharing experiences,
emotional healing, and reintegration support. The activity is part of the
government’s continuing commitment to help returning OFWs rebuild their lives
through psychosocial interventions, financial literacy, and livelihood
assistance programs. (Photo courtesy of DMW Caraga)
BUTUAN
CITY (PIA) — Repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)
from various parts of the Caraga region, particularly those displaced and
affected by the recent crisis in the Middle East, received comprehensive
government assistance through the intensified reintegration and welfare programs
of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Caraga.
The
assistance included psychosocial interventions, financial aid, livelihood
support, entrepreneurship training, healthcare orientation, and housing
opportunities to help returning OFWs recover from displacement abroad and
rebuild stable lives with their families and communities.
Fifty-five
repatriated OFWs participated in the ‘Kumustahan’ session and Financial
Awareness Seminar and Small Business Management Training (FAS-SBMT) conducted
on April 28 at the DMW Caraga Conference Hall. The activity forms part of the
national government’s strengthened reintegration efforts under the directive of
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide responsive, people-centered, and sustainable
support mechanisms for OFWs affected by global crises and emergencies.
The
whole-day activity provided returning workers with emotional support and
practical guidance as they transitioned back into life in the Philippines.
Through activities such as Color Your Day, ‘Kwento Mo, Mahalaga,’ and
‘Balik-Loob, Balik-Tiwala,’ OFWs were encouraged to process their experiences,
share reintegration challenges, and regain confidence after their difficult
situations abroad.
DMW
Caraga Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao emphasized that the government’s assistance
extends beyond repatriation and emergency rescue operations.
“Under
the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Department of Migrant
Workers continues to strengthen reintegration programs to ensure that our OFWs
are not left behind after repatriation. Through psychosocial support, financial
education, livelihood opportunities, and government convergence services, we
aim to help them recover, regain stability, and start anew with dignity and
hope,” Butao said.
The
repatriated OFWs also benefited from financial literacy sessions, investment
orientation, insurance education, entrepreneurship mentoring, ‘kabuhayan’ or
livelihood loan programs, and Cash Agad services conducted in partnership with
BDO Unibank and BDO Network Bank
The
training equipped participants with practical knowledge on savings management,
small business development, and sustainable income generation, enabling them to
explore alternative livelihood opportunities upon their return home.
Government
partner agencies under the National Reintegration Network (NRN), including
PhilHealth, SB Corporation, and Pag-IBIG Fund, also presented programs and
services available to OFWs and their families.
Among the
interventions introduced were PhilHealth’s YAKAP, enterprise and livelihood
loan assistance from SB Corporation, and the Pag-IBIG MP2 savings program, all
intended to help returning OFWs restore financial security and long-term
stability after displacement abroad.
Meanwhile,
DMW Caraga’s Quick Response Team (QRT), in coordination with OWWA Caraga and
partner local government units, also provided airport assistance services to
five repatriated OFWs who arrived at Bancasi Airport in Butuan City on April
29, 2026.
The OFWs
received immediate assistance, transport coordination, family reunification
support, and proper endorsement to concerned local government units and
agencies to ensure their safe return to their respective provinces. Two OFWs
were endorsed to the local government of Gingoog City through its Public
Employment Service Office for additional reintegration support, and three
others were assisted by OWWA Caraga personnel for onward travel arrangements.
“Our
repatriated OFWs deserve immediate care and continued assistance from the
government. We want them to feel that they are valued, protected, and supported
as they reintegrate into society and reunite with their families,” Butao added.
On April
30, DMW Caraga expanded its reintegration initiatives through another National
Reintegration Network session featuring PhilHealth’s YAKAP and the Department
of Human Settlements and Urban Development’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa
Pilipino (4PH) Program.
The
activity benefited 28 OFWs and their family members who gained access to
healthcare support information and affordable housing opportunities under the
government’s social protection initiatives aligned with the administration’s
Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
During
the same activity, DMW Caraga facilitated the release of the assistance under
the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na
Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund amounting to P1.85 million to 21 OFW
beneficiaries from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
The
financial assistance addressed the beneficiaries’ urgent medical, financial,
and reintegration needs, providing immediate relief and critical support as
they recover from employment disruption and displacement caused by the Middle
East crisis.
The
series of interventions highlights the continuing commitment of the Marcos
administration to protect the welfare of OFWs through accessible,
compassionate, and coordinated government services that promote recovery,
resilience, and sustainable reintegration into their communities. (NCLM, PIA
Agusan del Norte)
