President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally welcomed a fresh wave of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) at the Villamor Airbase on Monday, as the administration’s massive repatriation effort continues to bring Filipinos home from escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Touching down shortly after dawn, the returning workers were met with a high-level government reception committee led by the President, emphasizing the state’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad.
In an emotional address to the returnees, President Marcos Jr. underscored that while their safe arrival is a victory, it is only the beginning of the government’s intervention. He assured the workers that the “Bagong Pilipinas” program is designed to catch those displaced by international crises.
“In a time of danger and uncertainty, what matters most is that you are home safe with your families,” the President said. “The government’s duty does not end at your return. We will help you rise, rebuild, and begin again.”
The President outlined a multi-agency “Rebuild and Begin” package available immediately to all repatriated workers:
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Financial Assistance: Immediate cash aid to cover basic needs for the first month of reintegration.
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Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical check-ups and psychosocial support to address the trauma of displacement.
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Economic Transition: Livelihood grants and specialized training programs through TESDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to foster local entrepreneurship.
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Employment Matching: Direct assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for those seeking new local or overseas opportunities.
The President closed his remarks by reinforcing the bond between the state and its “modern-day heroes,” promising that no Filipino would be left to navigate the aftermath of the crisis alone.
“You are not alone. We will be standing with you every step of the way,” the President affirmed. “𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜!”
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) remain on high alert, with further repatriation flights scheduled throughout the week as the government monitors the evolving situation in the Middle East.
