25 more OFWs arrive home from Israel

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Sunday that 25 Filipino caregivers from Israel arrived in the country through the government’s voluntary repatriation program.

READ: 8 Filipino caregivers from Israel back in PH, says DMW

In a statement, the DMW said the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday and were greeted by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

They were also provided with comprehensive reintegration assistance upon their arrival, the DMW said.

The OFWs received financial assistance from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, through the agencies’ Aksyon Fund and Emergency Repatriation Fund.

They were also provided a separate cash aid by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“Mabuti na lang po may financial assistance na binigay sa amin, magagamit namin ito sa pagtatayo ng maliit na negosyo,” said one of the OFWs, Nelizza Baldrias, in the DMW statement.

(It’s a good thing we were given financial assistance. We can use this to set up a small business.)

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, for its part, gave them training vouchers so they may upskill while they are still in the country.

The Filipino migrant workers were also given health checkups by the Department of Health and the Manila International Airport Authority medical team.

39th batch of repatriates

According to the DMW, the 25 OFWs were the 39th batch of repatriates who arrived from Israel under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.

The agency said a total of 72 OFWs have undergone voluntary repatriation since the start of the Iran-Israel conflict.

Tensions had heightened in the Middle East on June 13 after Israel carried out airstrikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear and military sites.

Meanwhile, a total of 1,405 OFWs have arrived in the country since October 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel. /cb