More Pinoy workers return from Syria

MANILA, Philippines - More Filipino workers have returned home from war-torn Syria and Egypt, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said 151 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who availed of the government’s repatriation program have arrived in the country in the past two weeks.

Baldoz said 23 OFWs returned home on Sept. 5 and 95 others arrived last Sept. 6 from Syria.

She said 22 Filipinos, including eight children, returned from Egypt on Sept. 6.

Baldoz said the total number of repatriates from Syria reached 1,368 while those who came from Egypt reached 49.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration provided assistance, temporary shelter and transportation to the returning workers upon their arrival.

“They can take advantage of the livelihood assistance package being offered by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs under its P2-billion reintegration program,” Baldoz said.

She urged the returning OFWs to visit the Public Employment Service Office in the provinces if they are interested to work in DOLE-listed local establishments.

They may also search for jobs online at http://www.phil-job.net, the government’s online job portal.