The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is prepared to repatriate overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the escalating tension in Lebanon, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
“We’re ready, we stand ready to help upon their return,” Cacdac said in an interview with the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) on Monday when asked about the government’s efforts concerning the situation involving Filipinos in Lebanon.
Cacdac made this assurance amid the increasing tension between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
Cacdac stated that OFWs—whether documented or undocumented—who wish to avail themselves of the voluntary repatriation offer from the government will receive necessary assistance, including vouchers to undergo free training courses from TESDA-accredited institutions.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be responsible for employment facilitation.
Cacdac noted that they have also partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to assist OFWs wishing to venture into agriculture or tourism-related endeavors.
“It’s a voluntary repatriation mode. So, all of them are still in the process of discerning or deciding, but the call of the Ambassador over the weekend really was to tell them ‘please decide to come home’ because the situation may worsen. There is tension right in that part of the world,” Cacdac stressed.
“So, hopefully, again, the situation doesn’t get worse. But in case, that there is a call to be repatriated, then as I said, we’re ready with our own crises management plans,” he said.
Cacdac confirmed that the government will repatriate all affected OFWs, including undocumented workers.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will provide necessary training along with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for OFWs opting to venture into business upon their return to the Philippines.
PND
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