Philippines builds assistance system for OFWs in strife-torn countries

The Philippine government has prepared a package of comprehensive reintegration assistance and services for overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) who are compelled to go home under mandatory repatriation from strife-torn countries, a senior government official said Wednesday.

Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz acknowledged that many OFWs are hesitant to come home even if the countries where they work are in the middle of crisis or experiencing political conflict because of their apprehension of being dislocated.

"I assure our OFW repatriates from countries experiencing crisis situations or emergencies, such as Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, Kenya, of a safe and smooth return. The government, through the DOLE, is here to assist you," she said, citing the implementation of Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood) Program of the government.

A component of the National Reintegration Program for OFWs, the DOLE adopted the Assist WELL Program to ensure the successful reintegration of OFWs repatriated from crisis or emergency situations, pursuant to relevant alert level systems of the national government. Endi