The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Ilocos Region has provided a total of PHP525,000 in financial aid to the eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Pangasinan who have been repatriated from the Middle East due to the tensions between Israel and Iran.

DMW Ilocos Region director Christian Rey Sison, in a statement on Tuesday, said the financial assistance is an opportunity for them to start a small business, pay medical treatments, or invest in livelihood training to ensure long-term sustainability.

DMW Ilocos Region officer-in-charge assistant director Romeo Jaramilla, in an interview on Tuesday, said the cash assistance is from the agency’s Aksyon Fund that ensures comprehensive support through legal representation, repatriation, medical care and aid during employment crisis, among other services.

“The amount is for them to cope with their distress situation at present,” he said.

He said the assistance the DMW is giving to OFWs depends on their needs.

“As to ensuring OFWs’ safety during a crisis, our OFWs are assisted by our migrant workers office abroad in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs. If needed, DMW shall send an augmentation team to facilitate and maximize assistance,” Jaramilla added.

Each OFW will also receive cash assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training vouchers, medical assistance from the Department of Health, and referrals for additional Department of Social Welfare and Development support.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac earlier assured the returnees that the government would help them build sustainable livelihoods or find new employment opportunities. (PNA)