go through Adrian H. Halili, reporter
Analysts say the Philippines should strengthen its support program for the repatriation of Filipino workers overseas (OFW) and expectations of displaced Philippine returnees as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran are influx.
Jose M. Mathura, Chairman of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Jose G.
“In addition to safe repatriation, the challenge is to ensure that the moment we set foot on the Philippine soil, our return OFW will not be forgotten,” Mr. Matula said in a Viber message.
The Foreign Ministry raised the crisis alert level for Israel and Iran on June 21, calling for voluntary repatriation to the Philippines amid increasing tensions between the two countries.
As of June 21, the Philippine Embassy in Israel has reported that 223 repatriation requests have been received, including 26 confirmed OFW repatriation requests.
Earlier, Israel launched a surprise attack on Tehran against Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile facilities and top commanders. A day later, Iran launched a retaliatory strike against Tel Aviv.
Mr. Matula of FFW added: “OFW is not only a victim of the crisis, but also an agent of development. Through meaningful government intervention, their return could be a stepping stone towards a stronger and more inclusive economy.”
He said the government’s reintegration program continues to be dispersed, limited in scope and is “centric in Manila”.
He added: “Many OFWs have received one-time assistance, but there is no continuous reintegration or decent pathway to work. This is a missed opportunity.”
He said government agencies should provide free skill revamps and high skills for OFWS, which is aligned with the demands of the domestic job market.
He added that the agencies should also provide corporate development for OFWS, which plans to start businesses.
Mr Matula added that establishing more localized reintegration centres in the provinces would ensure that services reach the provinces where most workers return.
Benjamin Velasco said in an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines: “The government should deprive funds to assist the return of Israel and Iran.
He added that the government should evaluate OFWS’ livelihood projects, as many of them face difficulties.
Mr Velasco said the Philippines should speak out more when advocating an end to conflicts among countries in the Middle East.
He added: “As a dispatch and oil importer, our national interest is in line with the peace war, especially in the Middle East. Strategically, this will be a help to OFWS, not a repatriation.”
The Philippine government has not yet carried out forced Filipino evacuations in two Middle Eastern countries.
Israel has more than 30,000 Filipinos, while Iran has more than 1,000.
