FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited distressed Filipino workers in Riyadh, oversaw the repatriation of dozens of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s pledge to protect Filipinos abroad.
The First Lady went to Bahay Kalinga, a temporary shelter for OFWs awaiting repatriation– the first time a Philippine First Lady set foot on the government-run facility.
Mrs. Marcos wrapped up her visit with the announcement that 43 OFWs and eight children, some of who needing medical care, would be flown home through the efforts of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), upon orders of President Marcos.
The repatriated OFWs received assistance upon arrival in Manila, including P50,000 from the DMW, P10,000 from OWWA alongside livelihood aid, P10,000 from DSWD, and P60,000 from the Office of the President.
The First Lady also distributed luggage and other necessities, while OWWA arranged temporary accommodations and transport for those bound to the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Our First Lady’s visit is like a mother’s embrace, a reminder to our OFWs that they are not alone,” said OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan.
“As the President directed, to make government services felt, we will continue to serve with joy and a true heart,” she added.
The First Lady’s visit also included a short stop at the Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan, a one-stop event providing OFWs access to services from over a dozen Philippine agencies, including PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG, and DTI.
Officials said it was the first time such a broad government presence had convened in one location for OFWs in Saudi Arabia.
She later joined thousands of migrant workers at the Serbisyong May Saya, Hatid ng OWWA evening event, which featured performances and testimonials celebrating the resilience of OFWs.
The First Lady missed out on the United States visit of her husband, President Marcos, who is currently in Washington D.C. to meet with US President Donald Trump, to discuss bilateral economic and security collaborations.
