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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH ready to repatriate Pinoys in Lebanon, documented or not

PH ready to repatriate Pinoys in Lebanon, documented or not

Published Aug 19, 2024 09:06 am

The Philippines stands ready to repatriate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the escalating tension in Lebanon, whether they are documented or undocumented.

"[H]opefully, again, the situation doesn’t get worse but in case, the there is a call to be repatriated, then as I said, we’re ready with our own crisis management plans," Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in an interview in Malacañan on Monday, Aug. 19.

He made the assurance amid the increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

“So, hopefully, again, the situation doesn’t get worse. But in case, that there is a call to be repatriated, then as I said, we’re ready with our own crisis management plans,” he said.

Cacdac said so far it is a voluntary repatriation mode, "so all of them are still in the process of discerning or deciding" whether or not they heed the call of the ambassador to come home as the situation may worsen.

The DMW official also said that OFWs – whether documented or undocumented – who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation offer from the government, will receive the necessary assistance, including vouchers for them to undergo free training courses from Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-accredited institutions.

Although the government has no definite figures in terms of undocumented workers, Cacdac said, "there will be many more who are undocumented."

P150,000 cash assistance

President Marcos has raised the financial assistance for displaced OFWs from P50,000 to P150,000.

According to Cacdac, the increase in financial aid was ordered by the President.

Those who will be coming from war-like areas will be covered by the increased assistance while those who already received the P50,000 in financial assistance are not covered by the increase.

Other government agencies also extended immediate assistance to the displaced OFWs upon their return, Cacdac said.

The Department of Health (DOH) will provide physical checkups upon arrival of the affected OFWs while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will extend livelihood and financial assistance.

The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will provide training vouchers while other agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will provide post-repatriation assistance.

He said the financial assistance applies to documented and undocumented OFWs.

There are 11,360 OFWs in Lebanon, mostly in Beirut. Of the figure, 356 availed the government’s repatriation program.

The DOLE will be responsible for the employment facilitation, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) are ready to assist OFWs wishing to venture into agriculture or tourism-related endeavors, Cacdac said.

The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will provide necessary training along with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for OFWs opting to venture into business upon their return in the Philippines.

Related Tags

hans leo cacdac Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Lebanon
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