A commercial aircraft takes off from the runway of Beirut International airport near the city’s southern suburbs on August 9, 2024. Many in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a packed residential area known as Dahiyeh which is also a Hezbollah bastion, have been trying to leave, fearing full-blown war between the Iran-backed group and Israel in the wake of the commander’s killing. Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines — Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine government has increased the financial assistance for repatriating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Lebanon to P150,000, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Monday.
According to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, the monetary aid was increased on the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after he convened with the DMW and other relevant agencies.
“Sabi ni Pangulo, repasuhin yung financial assistance rates. So, from P50,000, ginawanan natin P75,000 from DMW, P75,000 from OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration),” said Cacdac in a chance interview with Malacañang reporters.
READ: PH urges Filipinos in Lebanon to leave after Israeli airstrikes
(The President said, review the financial assistance rates. So, from P50,000, we increased it to P75,000 from DMW, P75,000 from OWWA.)
“So, that’s P150,000 financial assistance upon return,” he added.
Both documented and undocumented repatriates will receive the assistance, said Cacdac.
Asked if the increased aid would be effective for all repatriates, Cacdac said it would only be for those coming from “war-like areas.”
Meanwhile, other government agencies will offer additional forms of assistance. The Department of Health will provide physical and psychosocial checkups to repatriates upon their arrival. The Department of Social Welfare and Development will offer both livelihood and financial assistance, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will provide training vouchers.
READ: DFA: Most Filipinos in Lebanon don’t want to leave
“We’ve also partnered with Agriculture Sec. [Francisco Tiu] Laurel, and Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco in case returning OFWs would wish to endeavor into agri-related and tourism-related endeavors,” Cacdac said.
On Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut urged Filipinos to leave the country while the airport is still operational.
The embassy issued the call after an Israeli strike hit southern Lebanon.
Cacdac said there are approximately 11,360 OFWs in Lebanon, most of whom are in Beirut. So far, no injuries among Filipinos have been reported as a result of the Israeli attacks.
Around 356 OFWs have already returned from Lebanon, including 15 last weekend, while about 1,000 more have expressed intent to go back to the Philippines.