There’s a message reaching out to Filipinos far from home…
a message filled with reassurance, not fear.
On Tuesday, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) made it clear—undocumented Filipino workers in the Middle East are not alone… and they are not in trouble.
They are being asked to come home.
And more importantly… they are being welcomed back.
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OWWA Deputy Administrator Jasmine Gapatan spoke with calm certainty.
Undocumented Filipinos, she said, can still step forward. They can still register. They can still seek help.
No penalties.
No consequences.
No judgment.
“Wala pong consequences or negative implications sa inyo…” she assured.
Especially for those who are ready to take a legitimate path forward.
It’s not about where you are now…
It’s about what you choose next.
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More than that, OWWA is opening its doors wider.
Gapatan encouraged Filipinos abroad to become members—even now.
Even if it feels late.
Because for OWWA, what matters most is this:
helping every Filipino who needs it.
“Gusto namin sila maging miyembro… dahil matutulungan po namin kayo,” she said.
We want to help you.
Simple. Direct. Sincere.
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And many have already made the journey home.
On Monday, another government-chartered flight arrived… carrying 255 overseas Filipino workers and 87 of their family members.
Families reunited.
Stories brought home.
Uncertainty… slowly replaced with hope.
This marks the ninth chartered flight.
Since March 5, a total of 4,234 OFWs—and 1,170 of their loved ones—have returned to the Philippines under the government’s repatriation program.
Behind every number… is a life.
A sacrifice.
A decision to start again.
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But coming home is only the beginning.
The government is promising more than just a safe return.
There will be support.
Livelihood programs.
Job opportunities.
And even training to help returning workers rebuild stronger careers.
“May livelihood tayo… mayroon tayong employment facilitation,” Gapatan said.
They are also preparing step-up programs—designed to upskill and reskill OFWs for new opportunities back home.
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For many Filipinos in the Middle East, the situation remains uncertain.
But this message is clear:
You can come home.
You will be helped.
And you will not be punished for trying to start over.
