00:00Almost 300 OFWs returned to the country yesterday from Lebanon.
00:06That's the center of the news of Isaiah Miracuentes.
00:11Why are we getting emotional now, ma'am?
00:16Because I was saved.
00:19I'm so happy that I was able to go home.
00:24Our countrymen are overjoyed to return to the Philippines after returning from Lebanon.
00:32Almost 300 OFWs arrived here at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
00:38from the repatriation effort of the government.
00:41It's a new beginning for the expected 290 OFWs
00:47who were repatriated from Lebanon due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
00:53They were happy to be welcomed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cakdak
00:57and OA Administrator Arnel Ignacio when they arrived here at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
01:03The challenges are mainly the process in Lebanon to begin with.
01:07We know that the Lebanese authorities are trying their level best
01:11but the processing of immigration clearances in Lebanon is the first and foremost.
01:18It was 7 p.m. here in the Philippines when our countrymen left Lebanon
01:24and arrived here in Niaya yesterday at 3 p.m.
01:28They boarded the Chartered Plane MYW9071.
01:33In total, 903 OFWs were repatriated from Lebanon since October of last year.
01:43The government promised that they will answer the transportation of OFWs
01:47until they return to their homes.
01:50The DMW's entry costs 75,000 pesos of financial assistance
01:56to the repatriated OFWs
01:58and 75,000 pesos from OAH
02:02and 20,000 pesos from DSWD.
02:05Meanwhile, the Department of Health is accompanying the medical consultant
02:10and psychological first aid for the repatriated OFWs.
02:14The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers
02:18as well as the Philippine Embassies in Ankara, Turkey
02:21are helping the Filipinos who are stuck in trouble in Lebanon.
02:28We are working to function according to each direction
02:33OAH, DMW, DOTR, DOH
02:38and of course, Congress
02:40A whole family is taking care of our Filipino family.
02:45One of the promises of the government
02:48is that the OFWs will be helped to have a new income
02:53or find a new life here in the Philippines.
02:55Ron Torzuela told us about his experience in Lebanon.
03:00There is fear and anxiety
03:06especially when the leader of Hezbollah was bombed.
03:11There is fear because every type of explosion is heard.
03:17The repatriated OFWs are united in the reason
03:21why they agreed to return to the Philippines.
03:24This is to live in peace with their loved ones.
03:30Isaiah Mira Fuentes for Pambansang TV in the Philippines
