A total of 244 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependants have been successfully repatriated from Bahrain, marking the fourth batch to return under the Philippine government’s ongoing assistance programme.
The group landed safely at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Manila on Friday via Gulf Air Flight 0154, after departing from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, amid ongoing Iranian attacks in the region.
The repatriation was led by the Philippine Embassy Manama’s One Country Team, headed by Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D Gallaga, in co-ordination with the Department of Migrant Workers – Migrant Workers Office (DMW-MWO), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Prior to their departure, the DMW-MWO ensured that the OFW’s needs were met, including accommodation, food and other essentials. In addition, each returnee received a complimentary plane ticket and $200 in financial assistance.
Upon arrival, the repatriates were provided with food, transportation, temporary accommodation and further support for their onward travel to their home provinces, including domestic flights and land transport arrangements.
Several returnees shared their experiences upon arriving home. Lizajane Gesoro, a 33-year-old domestic worker from Davao de Oro, expressed relief after weeks of anxiety. “I cried deeply when a staff member from the MWO contacted me about the programme,” she said.
Glennice Labarios, 28, a pregnant cashier from Malabon, said she chose to return home for her own well‑being and that of her unborn child. “My fiancé is staying in Bahrain, but he felt it was best for us to return home,” Ms Labarios said.
Meanwhile, Lea Letran, 64, from Sorsogon, spoke of her long-awaited opportunity to return home after being unable to afford airfare.
“As I prepare for a fresh start, I plan to open a small water refilling station as a source of income,” she said. “Leaving behind my golden retriever made my departure very difficult, but I have great hope for the future.”
Despite these challenges, Ms Letran encouraged her fellow OFWs to remain patient and understanding. “I would like to request my fellow OFWs not to cast blame on the Philippine Embassy and the government agencies that are assisting us,” she said. “We are nearly 60,000, and they are doing everything they can. Please be patient and wait for your turn if you have registered in the programme.”
As part of reintegration efforts, OFWs will have access to training and upskilling opportunities from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the National Reintegration Centre for OFWs. They will also receive livelihood support and additional financial aid.
To date, four batches have been repatriated, including 16 in batch one, 22 in batch two, 79 in batch 3, and 244 in batch 4.
The embassy, through its MWO and Overseas Welfare Administration, has also provided relief packs to Filipinos evacuated from affected areas such as Juffair.
Reports indicate that more than 1,400 Filipinos across the region – including 231 in Bahrain – have requested repatriation following the escalation of the conflict.
The GDN previously reported that Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, repatriated more than 400 transit passengers after it activated contingency measures to support passengers affected by the temporary closure of the nation’s airspace. They were provided with accommodation, meals and alternate travel arrangements.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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