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)