The Filipinos Israel-Iran crisis has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to step up its efforts to support overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families in the event of mandatory repatriation.
With the growing tensions between Israel and Iran, the DSWD is fully prepared to provide critical assistance to OFWs returning to the Philippines, ensuring that they have the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
DSWD’s Readiness for Immediate Assistance
The DSWD has assured that it is ready to assist Filipinos affected by the ongoing crisis. Director Edwin Morata of the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau-Crisis Intervention Unit (PSB-CIU) stated that the agency has teams of social workers and intervention packages in place, ready to be deployed immediately once the Philippine government issues a repatriation order.
“We are prepared. Once we receive instructions from our President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the full support of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, our team is ready to provide the necessary assistance,” said Morata during a media forum held at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
Support Programs for Repatriated Filipinos
OFWs and their families will have access to a variety of DSWD support programs, including medical assistance, food packages, transportation, legal aid, livelihood support, and mental health services.
These programs are designed to help Filipinos adjust to their new life in the Philippines and ensure they receive the care they need after returning from conflict zones.
Serbisyo Caravan: Direct Services for Overseas Filipinos
In addition to the DSWD’s readiness for repatriated workers, the department is also working closely with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to implement Serbisyo Caravan events.
These initiatives are one-stop-shop events designed to bring essential government services directly to OFWs and their families abroad. The Serbisyo Caravan has already successfully delivered over 544 services to 154 OFWs in Hong Kong earlier this month, providing access to counseling, information dissemination, and various DSWD programs.
The Serbisyo Caravan aims to address the barriers many OFWs face in accessing government services, such as time constraints and geographical distance.
By bringing these services directly to Filipinos working abroad, the DSWD is ensuring that OFWs can access the help they need, no matter where they are.
Ongoing Support for Overseas Filipinos
The DSWD is committed to continuing its efforts to assist Filipino overseas workers and their families, both during the Israel-Iran crisis and beyond.
These intervention programs are designed to support Filipinos who face challenges while working abroad, ensuring they have access to the necessary services to thrive.
As the situation in Israel and Iran continues to evolve, the DSWD is poised to provide immediate and comprehensive aid to ensure the welfare of returning Filipino workers and their loved ones.
References: 📚
- pna.gov.ph, DSWD preps aid for distressed Filipinos amid Israel-Iran conflict
- newsinfo.inquirer.net, DSWD provides help to bus mauling victim who has intellectual disability
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