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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Ligtas na kayo, kabayan': 8 Filipino caregivers repatriated from conflict-torn Israel

'Ligtas na kayo, kabayan': 8 Filipino caregivers repatriated from conflict-torn Israel

Published Jul 4, 2025 12:58 pm  |  Updated Jul 4, 2025 01:02 pm
Eight Filipino caregivers returned to the country safely from Israel on Thursday, July 3, as part of the government’s ongoing voluntary repatriation program in the conflict-torn nation.
The caregivers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 0737.
They were welcomed by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer-in-Charge and Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay, Assistant Secretary Maria Regina Angela G. Galias, NCR Director Falconi Millar, and personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), DMW, and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) medical team.
Tutay personally spoke with the repatriated caregivers as they were served hot meals provided by OWWA.
“We are thankful that you arrived safely,” the undersecretary said, noting that no less than President Marcos Jr. and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac directed the welcoming team to ensure the safety and security of the caregivers.
The repatriated workers will receive comprehensive reintegration support from the DMW, OWWA, and DSWD to ensure a smooth transition back to life in the Philippines. This includes continued assistance and access to livelihood, health, and welfare programs.
“We have an OFW Hospital for a complete check-up, this is free of charge. The Department of Health also provides medical assistance through public health facilities. If you need to stay or be picked up, just let us know,” the official told the caregivers.
Ms. Noemi Tañag, of the Repatriation Assistance Division, also assured the repatriated workers that OWWA will assist those needing hotel accommodations and transportation so that they can go back home.
The MIAA medical team conducted vital signs check-up for the repatriates upon their arrival.
Shirley Pita, who worked as a caregiver in Israel for 20 years, said it was her first time coming back home after 15 years.
“Maraming salamat, unang una sa Diyos, sa ating pamahalaan, sa embassy at MWO [Migrant Workers Office] staff na talagang nag-alaga sa amin, hindi kami pinabayaan. Sa mga kasama namin sa Israel, totoo po, umuulan ng blessing pagdating dito sa ating bansa (Thank you very much, first and foremost to God, to our government, to the embassy, and to the MWO staff who truly took care of us and never left us behind. To our companions in Israel, it’s true that blessings pour down upon arriving here in our country),” she said.
The group marked the 38th batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Israel since the launch of the voluntary repatriation program in October 2023, and the second batch since the onset of the Israel-Iran conflict last month.
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