(Fourth from left) Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre with other government officials (Rep. Acidre's office) 

House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairman and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, together with government officials, welcomed the arrival of 290 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Lebanon.

In a statement on Sunday, Oct. 27, Acidre said this is part of his steadfast commitment to the safety and welfare of Filipinos worldwide.

"Tingog Party-list, alongside our partner agencies, is dedicated to providing the vital support needed to help our repatriated Filipinos and their families make a safe and smooth transition back home,” the lawmaker said.

“I commend President Bongbong Marcos for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of our [OFW] which has been instrumental in facilitating this repatriation effort,” he added.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the group of 290 repatriates included 233 OFWs and their 13 dependents, as well as 21 overseas Filipinos and their 23 dependents.

They were brought home on a chartered government flight organized by the DMW, in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Ankara. 

The plane arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City Saturday afternoon, where the repatriates were welcomed warmly by various government agencies and officials.

“Their safe return reflects the strong inter-agency collaboration to ensure that all Filipinos seeking help could make it back home without delay,” said Acidre.

Acidre explained that, in addition to their safe return, repatriates will also receive assistance to help them reintegrate smoothly into their communities.

He said each repatriate will be provided financial aid, including P75,000 from the DMW’s AKSYON Fund, P75,000 from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and P20,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

Additional services include free medical consultations, psychological support, and access to livelihood programs through the Department of Health (DOH), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other agencies.

As part of Tingog Party-list's commitment to support OFWs, Acidre noted that a comprehensive aid package has been prepared to help them rebuild their lives. 

This package includes financial assistance through the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program for both the OFW and their spouse, educational support under the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Tulong Dunong Program, and a livelihood package to support them in setting up small businesses.

This latest repatriation is in response to President Marcos’ directive to evacuate Filipinos in Lebanon “by whatever means” amid heightened tensions between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.

Since October 2023, the Philippines’ voluntary repatriation program has successfully brought home 903 OFWs and 47 dependents from Lebanon.

The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut continues to support 69 Filipinos currently staying in shelters, providing them with essential care while they await the opportunity to return home.