The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) hailed First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ visit to the government-run shelter for distressed overseas Filipino workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last week.
In a news release on Monday, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the visit was a landmark moment in the country’s efforts to strengthen support for OFWs, particularly those in crisis.
Caunan described the visit as more than ceremonial, calling it a heartfelt act that resonated deeply with the Filipinos abroad.
“Ang pagbisita ng ating Unang Ginang ay parang yakap ng isang ina — paalala sa ating mga OFW na hindi sila nag-iisa. Tulad ng bilin ng Pangulo na iparamdam ang serbisyo ng gobyerno, patuloy kaming maglilingkod nang may saya at pusong totoo (The visit of our First Lady is like a mother’s embrace — a reminder to our OFWs that they are not alone. As the President instructed us to make government service a reality, we will continue to serve with joy and a true heart),” she said.
The First Lady met with over 150 women and children housed in Bahay Kalinga 1 and 2, and listened to their stories.
Araneta-Marcos also delivered the long-awaited news to the distressed OFWs that they were finally returning home. She also distributed essential supplies, including travel luggage, and conveyed the government’s commitment to ensure their safe and dignified return.
Her words brought many to tears.
Serbisyo Caravan
Her visit extended to the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, where she met with thousands of OFWs availing services of various government agencies, including the DMW, OWWA, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Landbank, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Serbisyo Caravan in Riyadh is the first-of-its-kind coordinated outreach in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The visit concluded with Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA, a celebratory gathering that highlighted the strength, talent, and unity of OFWs through music, performances, and shared stories of resilience.
On Sunday, 43 distressed OFWs and eight minor dependents from the shelter arrived in the country.
Upon arrival, each returning OFW received a comprehensive assistance package of PHP50,000 from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), PHP10,000 from OWWA plus Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay aid, PHP10,000 from DSWD, and PHP60,000 from the Office of the President.
OWWA also provided transportation and temporary accommodation support for OFWs returning to Visayas and Mindanao.
One of the repatriates, Ana Dimalen, expressed her gratitude to the government upon arriving in Manila.
“She came to the shelter. We were so happy to see her in person. We’re truly grateful to President BBM (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) and everyone who helped us come home,” Dimalen said in Filipino. (PNA)