Distressed OFWs return home on Independence Day

June 12 - As the nation marked the 111th year of its declaration of independence, 127 of an estimated 158 distressed expatriate Filipino workers slated to return home on this day arrived to a warm welcome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, thanks to a partnership between the government and the private sector, namely the Development Bank of the Philippines, San Miguel Corporation and the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Sharing the repatriation costs with OWWA, the private sector partners made it possible for the return of the workers, who said that they have now broken free from their sad experiences in the Middle East.

“It is Independence Day at nandito na sila, nakabalik na sa minamahal na inang bayan,” said Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Carmelita Dimzon at the arrival ceremony.

According to Dimzon, these workers fell victim to exploitation and abuse. Some ran away from their employers after finding themselves in situations of hardship and exploitation, while others complained about non-payment of wages or being compelled to render excessive work.

Prior to their repatriation, the workers sought sanctuary at OWWA welfare centers of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in the host countries.