In a powerful display of Bayanihan, the Philippine government and community leaders completed the fifth chartered repatriation flight for Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates.
This milestone stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of circumstance, can return home with dignity and care.
The success of this operation was made possible through the seamless coordination of high-ranking officials and dedicated diplomatic teams. Deepest gratitude is extended to:
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Sec. Hans Leo J. Cacdac (DMW) & Ambassador Alfonso Ver
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Consul General Ambrosio Enciso
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Undersecretaries: Dominique Nikki Rubia-Tutay, Jainal T. Rasul Jr., and Atty. Felicitas Bay
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OWWA Administrator: Arnell “PY” Caunan
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Labor Attachés: Atty. John Rio Bautista and Teresa Olgado
Working alongside teams from the Embassy, Philippine Consulate General (PCG), and Migrant Workers Office (MWO), these leaders ensured that the logistical complexities of a chartered flight were met with efficient and compassionate solutions.
Beyond the official channels, the heartbeat of this mission was the selfless dedication of the Filipino volunteer community. These individuals sacrificed their time and energy to provide on-the-ground support for their kababayans: “This mission is Bayanihan in action—Filipinos lifting each other up, coming together to bring one another home with dignity and compassion.”
Special recognition is given to volunteer leaders Josie Conlu, Ace Lester Quijada, Richard Zulueta, Archi Christian Vasquez, Archi Arvin Quides, Engr. Rafael Lontoc, Engr. Ruffy Niedo, Engr. Charles Formes, GT Bonn Lozano, Archi Jon Llarena, RJ Miguel, and Jordan Clavel.
To further ease the transition for the repatriates, the UAE Food Bank, represented by Coordinator Emille Parcia, along with Mr. Chris Mares and Mr. Isagani Esguerra, provided generous food packs and essential items. These gestures of kindness provided much-needed comfort and warmth to the passengers during their journey back to the Philippines.
The chartered flight program is a critical initiative designed to assist Filipinos in the UAE who face displacement or urgent needs to return home. It remains a cornerstone of the Philippine government’s “whole-of-nation” approach to migrant welfare, proving that through collaboration, no Filipino is left behind.
