8 Pangasinan OFWs from Middle East receive cash aid from DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Ilocos Region provided a total of PHP525,000 in financial aid to eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Pangasinan who were repatriated from the Middle East due to tensions between Israel and Iran.

DMW Ilocos Region director Christian Rey Sison stated that the financial assistance aims to support the OFWs in starting a small business, paying for medical treatments, or investing in livelihood training for long-term sustainability.

DMW Ilocos Region officer-in-charge assistant director Romeo Jaramilla mentioned that the cash assistance came from the agency's Aksyon Fund, which offers comprehensive support including legal representation, repatriation, medical care, and aid during employment crises.

Jaramilla emphasized that the assistance is intended to help the OFWs cope with their current distressing situation, tailored to their specific needs.

The repatriated OFWs, despite facing flight disruptions due to Qatar's airspace closure, successfully returned on June 24 with the support of DMW officials. Each OFW will also receive additional assistance from various government agencies to aid in their transition back to the Philippines.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured the OFWs of government support in building sustainable livelihoods or finding new employment opportunities.

According to the source: Philippine News Agency.