Latest news with #OverseasWorkersWelfareAdministration
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Filipino Times
19 undocumented OFW mothers, 23 children safely repatriated from Dubai
A group of 19 Filipino mothers and their 23 children have been safely repatriated from Dubai to the Philippines. These mothers and children were undocumented, who availed of the amnesty program offered by the UAE. 'There are criminal and morality codes in the UAE. If there is a mother who gives birth and hindi known 'yung status or out of wedlock, ay nagiging undocumented yung bata. Therefore, mahirap in terms of getting medical treatment, and education. So it's important na maiuuwi sila agad. We have our lawyers handling all these cases. They have been cleared and now they are home,' Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said. Also included in the repatriation were 10 Filipino workers who were stranded in Dubai while en route to Jordan due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The group arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 in Pasay City aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR659. This repatriation was a coordinated effort among the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Philippine Embassy in the UAE. The Embassy assisted in securing documentation for the children, including DNA testing carried out in coordination with UAE authorities. All repatriated individuals received immediate financial support through the DMW AKSYON Fund and assistance at the airport. They will also be provided with reintegration programs to support their transition back into life in the Philippines. So far, the DMW and OWWA have helped 28 Filipino workers stranded in Dubai due to airport closures linked to the Middle East conflict. Travelers affected by flight disruptions are advised to contact airlines for rebooking and report to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office for assistance.
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Missing OFW found dead in desert in Saudi Arabia
An overseas Filipino worker was found dead in the desert in Saudi Arabia after he went missing for four days. According to Jonathan Andal's report on "Saksi," Juljirri Aggong was reportedly the victim of a hit-and-run. "Na-hit-and-run siya ng kotse. And that caused fatal injuries... 'Yung reported incident is June 11," said Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. She said the incident happened at 12:31 p.m. on the King Salman Eastbound Road at a non-designated pedestrian crossing. Caunan said the vehicle had been identified, along with its license plate and driver. The OWWA will try to get a copy of the CCTV footage of the incident. It also has a lawyer in Riyadh to help with the case. "Hustisya lang po. 'Yan lang po yung panawagan namin. Hindi po ito pwedeng maging kwento lang na walang hustisya," said Mhaie Aggong, a cousin of the victim. "Marami pa po tayong mga kababyaan doon. Pag hindi po ito inaksyunan lang sigurado may susunod pa," he added. Mhaie said Aggong was a good person. He wanted to work in Saudi Arabia to help his family. The victim hailed from Jolo, Sulu, and was the eldest among siblings. He had been working as an office and facility cleaner in Riyadh for six months. Aggong's family will have him buried in Riyadh, according to Muslim tradition. The OWWA said it would pursue the case to get justice for the migrant worker. –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
OWWA: Pinoys wounded in Iran attacks vs. Israel now 6, 1 critical
The number of Filipinos wounded in the missile strikes launched by Iran against Israel has risen to six, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). In a 'State of the Nation' report on Monday, OWWA said four Filipinos have been discharged from the hospital, while another Filipino is still recovering. A Filipino caregiver remains in critical condition after being crushed by debris from a building damaged by one of the air strikes. On the fourth day of hostilities between Israel and Iran, a mandatory evacuation has yet to be implemented, but the Department of Migrant Workers said it will do its best to repatriate Filipinos who want to go back to the Philippines. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
61 OFWs complete skills training for reintegration and empowerment
A total of 61 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) successfully completed their respective skills training programs during two separate seminars at the Philippine Embassy and the Majestic Hotel in Bahrain. The skills training in Baking and Haircutting, Manicure, and Pedicure were among the continuous initiatives in extending Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with better knowledge and skills that would be applicable to career improvement, financial self-sufficiency, and integration upon returning Philippines in the future. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Migrant Workers Office Officer in Charge (OIC) Celia V. Cabadonga commended the graduates on their endeavor to become better persons and encouraged other OFWs to grab similar chances in the future. In the morning session, 32 OFWs graduated from a baking skills training, while in the afternoon, 29 others completed training in hair cutting, manicure, and pedicure. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their capabilities while working abroad, highlighting the importance of such programs in broadening employment options and building long-term security for themselves and their families. Ofelia Madriaga, 61, from Pamplona, Cagayan Valley, and a member of the PIN, was among the proud attendees of the recent training. A long-time household worker in Bahrain, Ofelia shared that this was not her first time joining such a program. She had previously completed a dressmaking training course, driven by her passion to improve herself. 'This is what I achieved as a housemaid,' she said with pride. 'Even though I'm a housemaid, I dreamed of developing my skills. I'm grateful to my madam, Nevien Sukhralla, who allowed me to attend, and to our embassy for this opportunity.' Having worked for the same employer for 17 years, Ofelia is now thinking ahead. 'I'm planning to put up my own small business in the future when my career as a housemaid comes to an end,' she shared, her voice filled with hope and determination. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to dream, learn, and prepare for a better future. Naida Duque, 67, with over 30 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, was among the volunteer trainers who generously shared their expertise during the recent skills training sessions for OFWs. A seasoned beautician, Naida worked at the prestigious Regency Hair Salon in the Regency Intercontinental Hotel from 2009 to 2014. Afterward, she ventured into business with her daughter before returning to salon work until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations. When asked why she chose to volunteer, Naida shared a heartfelt reason: 'I want to give back. As an OFW myself, I understand the struggles. Sharing my skills is my way of helping others build confidence and a better future.' Her contribution, along with that of fellow trainers Alma Maria Laqui, Aida Garay, and Rosalina Ortiz, reflects the true spirit of bayanihan—Filipinos lifting one another up, one skill at a time. Meanwhile, in the Baking skills training, its instructor, Ivy Diana Bello Ancheta, is a passionate baker and entrepreneur behind IV Bakes, has been teaching baking for four years, since beginning her journey in 2021. She brings a learner-centered approach to her classes, ensuring that beginners and more experienced students alike gain confidence and understanding. 'I start with baking basics to build a strong foundation,' she explained. 'We focus on understanding ingredients, tools, and techniques. I guide students through common mistakes and how to correct them.' What characterizes her teaching is the support and interactive nature of it. Each lesson is a combination of practice and demonstration, where students implement what they've learned because they get feedback in real-time. 'I make it engaging by answering questions, correcting the method, and providing tips above the recipes,' she said. 'I want migrant workers to leave here empowered—not just in baking, but in building a life for themselves.' Her own business, IV Bakes, began life as a small home-based passion business. Bananalike cake, pandesal, cookies, and customized party cakes are just some of the offerings, and these are done with a personal touch, 'as if for family.' In addition to selling baked goods, she also hosts fun, hands-on baking and decorating workshops, offering families and friends a chance to bond and create memories while learning valuable skills. The baking program not only served as a skills enhancement training but also inspired OFWs to see baking as a potential business opportunity, one they can carry with them, whether staying abroad or returning home. The Baking Class and Skills Training in Hair, Manicure, and Pedicure were facilitated through the joint efforts of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Philippine Embassy, and the Filipino community organization Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN). These two-Friday sessions training initiatives were tailored to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), providing them with essential skills that will aid in their reintegration into Philippine society when they return home.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Skills training programs for Filipinos successful
A series of skills training programs for Filipinos has concluded successfully at the Philippine Embassy and the Majestic Hotel in Bahrain, equipping participants with valuable knowledge in baking, haircutting, manicure, and pedicure. The initiative, part of the Philippine government's ongoing efforts to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), aimed to provide participants with practical skills that support career advancement, financial self-sufficiency, and future reintegration upon returning to the Philippines. A total of 61 Filipinos completed the trainings, with 32 graduating from the baking skills session held in the morning, and 29 others completing training in haircutting, manicure, and pedicure during the afternoon. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Migrant Workers Office Officer-in-Charge Celia V. Cabadonga led the ceremonies and commended the participants for their dedication and willingness to improve themselves. They encouraged other OFWs to take advantage of similar opportunities in the future. 'This kind of training not only enriches your skillset but also prepares you for a more secure and sustainable future,' said Cabadonga. 'We are proud of every participant who committed to personal growth.'
