The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) reaffirmed its commitment to provide full assistance and reintegration support to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel, following the arrival of 25 caregivers.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally welcomed the repatriates, who were accompanied by Philippine Labor Attaché to Macau Hector Cruz Jr.

Upon arrival, the group underwent medical screening by the Department of Health (DOH).

“Some had health concerns, and they were promptly referred to DOH personnel who were also present to receive them,” Caunan said Monday during an interview with Radyo Pilipinas.

Each OFW received PHP150,000 in financial aid through the DMW’s Aksyon Fund and OWWA’s Emergency Response Fund.

They were also awarded TESDA training certificates, which can be used for skills development or starting a business. The TESDA vouchers are transferable to their family members.

“Our goal is to equip them with sufficient skills and capital, whether to start a business or find employment locally. We want to prevent them from going back abroad without viable livelihood options,” Caunan explained.

Additional assistance came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

Before this batch, another 13 OFWs from Israel arrived on July 4 and received the same support.

Caunan noted that despite the recent tensions between Israel and Iran, most of the over 30,000 Filipinos in Israel have chosen to stay due to better salaries. (PNA)