President Marcos assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East that the government is doing everything to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the region, saying their well-being remains the top priority.
00:00We have raised Alert Level 3 in Iran and Israel.
00:03I have directed all concerned government agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of our Filipino workers who wish to avail of the Voluntary Repatriation Program.
00:16Secretary Hans Kakdak is in Amman, Jordan, and is scheduled to receive the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel at the King Hussein Crossing.
00:26In Israel, we have already provided food packs and financial help to our Kamabayans.
00:31Many are staying in our migrant workers' office hostel with more space ready should it be needed.
00:37We are processing over 200 requests for repatriation and we are moving quickly to bring them home while others have opted to remain at work.
00:45We continue to monitor our OFW caregiver who remains in hospital, stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator.
00:53We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs.
00:57In Iran, our embassy is preparing for the repatriation of an initial batch of 8 Filipinos in the coming days.
01:04Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will receive immediate support from the government, including 150,000 pesos in immediate assistance.
01:12Some accommodation, transport, and livelihood support with training vouchers to help them recover and to start again.
01:18And for those who choose to stay home for good, we will be there to help with skills training, job matching, startup capital, and support to begin a small business or find new opportunities.
01:29I urge our fellow Filipinos to coordinate with our embassies in Tel Aviv and in Tehran.
01:34Please follow their guidance.
01:36Inform them of your situation and do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
01:40Your government continues to act and is ready to serve to protect your safety and well-being.
01:45Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino.
