MANILA — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reported on Monday that over 70 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from conflict-affected areas in Israel and Iran have been repatriated, with more expected in the coming days as tensions in the region ease.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, OWWA Administrator Patricia “PY” Caunan said that following the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) lowering of the alert level in Israel to Alert Level 2 due to the ongoing ceasefire, the agency has been assisting OFWs who wish to return home.

Of the over 30,000 Filipinos currently in Israel, 373 initially expressed intent to return. However, only 26 have so far been repatriated. Caunan noted that more are set to arrive: 21 are expected to arrive Tuesday, 25 on Saturday, and 28 more are being processed. She also confirmed that eight OFWs from Iran have recently returned home.

Despite the ceasefire, the Philippine government continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, where concerns from other OFWs have also been raised.

Caunan said OWWA’s 24/7 operations center remains active in responding to repatriation queries and assistance requests, including for distressed workers under its regular repatriation programs.

Psychosocial and Welfare Support

Caunan assured that OFWs in high-risk areas have access to psychological and trauma counseling services. Over 440 OFWs in Israel have received welfare checks or aid, including food packs, accommodation, financial assistance, and psychosocial support through the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and OWWA.

Repatriated OFWs also receive assistance upon arrival, including medical check-ups and referrals from the Department of Health. Caunan cited the case of a pregnant returnee who will receive full birthing assistance from the DOH, and another OFW battling cancer who was promised free medical treatment.

Reintegration and Skills Training

Returning OFWs are also being offered reintegration programs such as TESDA training vouchers and business opportunities. Caunan added that many are inquiring about job placements through government-to-government programs.

In support of long-term reintegration, OWWA is working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to tap into the government’s initiative to create eight million digital jobs. The collaboration includes free upskilling and online work matching for returning OFWs.

“Very confident kami na matutuloy itong partnership namin with DICT,” Caunan said. “Mayroong libreng training at maraming available na trabaho online. Malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga kababayan.”

DICT Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to assist OWWA in helping repatriated OFWs rebuild their lives through digital job opportunities.