Several government agencies are working to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who returned from the Middle East find employment, but many continue to look overseas for better opportunities.
More than 8,000 OFWs have been repatriated amid ongoing unrest in the region, including over 160 recent arrivals from Kuwait.
Among them is caregiver Jesselyn Folloso, who said local wages are not enough to sustain her family.
“Eh wala, hindi talaga kaya ng minimum lang eh… Ang mahal ng bilihin,” she said, citing the rising cost of food, utilities, and daily expenses.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said it is assisting returning workers in finding jobs locally, but survey data shows more than 70% are still willing to work abroad if given the chance.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan acknowledged the challenge of providing competitive opportunities in the Philippines.
“It continues to be a challenge for us to provide better opportunities here… kung mas maganda yung sitwasyon abroad, they are open,” she said.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is assessing the skills of returning OFWs to match them with job opportunities in other countries.
At the same time, OWWA and the Commission on Higher Education have expanded scholarship programs for OFW families, including coverage for workers themselves.
Authorities are also monitoring more than 3,000 Filipino seafarers still inside the Persian Gulf amid tensions affecting shipping routes.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said over 1,300 seafarers have already exited the area safely.
“Minamanmanan natin… hopefully makatawid sila,” he said, referring to ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of Filipino crew members.
Officials said assistance efforts will continue as the government balances immediate support for returning workers with long-term employment solutions.
