Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) said it will provide free medical and psychological assistance to distressed repatriates from Lebanon amid tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement on Friday, Oct. 18, the agency said DOH hospitals will not charge returning Filipinos for admission and follow-up consultations.
“DOH recognizes the need to support both physical and mental health needs of the OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) as they lived in a state of constant fear amid the conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli Defense Forces,” it said.
On Thursday, 45 Filipinos from Lebanon arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 through the government’s voluntary repatriation program.
The repatriated Filipinos will receive P150,000 in financial assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
In addition, they will benefit from livelihood assistance and training programs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
According to the DMW, 571 Filipinos have expressed their willingness to return home.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered government agencies to utilize all available resources to ensure the safe and timely repatriation of Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict.
