Homeless Filipino Family Brought Home Through Repatriation from Bahrain

"I went to the Migrant Workers Office at the Philippine Embassy and explained our situation, stating that I was not receiving the salary specified in my contract, and that my wife had lost her job due to the outbreak of conflict. We wish to apply for voluntary repatriation," Roderick recalled.

"My wife and I, along with our daughter, are extremely grateful to have been part of the repatriation program. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Philippine Ambassador Gines Gallaga, Labor Attache Dr. Orville Ballitoc of the MWO, and Ma’am Butch Gumabay of Owwa," Roderick expressed.

Karen Letran, a Filipino entrepreneur and volunteer of the MWO stepped in to assist the homeless family.  Showing compassion and concern, she helped ensure their immediate safety by providing temporary support and accompanying them to a more secure environment.

Subsequently, she coordinated their transfer to the orientation center for the 6th batch, which included 119 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and 51 dependents. They received appropriate assistance, guidance, and coordination to facilitate their eventual return to the Philippine.

Babygie likewise shared that they are now looking forward to starting anew in the Philippines. She plans to open a small sari-sari store to help support their family, while Roderick intends to earn a living by working as a driver for the meantime as they wait for better opportunities, possibly abroad, in the future.

Meanwhile, a senior citizen couple from Binangonan, Rizal, Eduardo Ilagan, 74, and his wife Estrella Ilagan, 72 were among those who attended the orientation held on April 15, which outlined the travel route from Bahrain to Dammam via Gulf Air Flight GF 154.

The couple reached Bahrain in December to visit and stay with their sons, Eduard and Edsel, who were both employed in the electronics communication sector. However, their holiday was interrupted following the onset of regional tensions, which led to the need for coordinated travel arrangements and repatriation assistance.

During the orientation, they were briefed on flight procedures, travel requirements, and support services available upon arrival in the Philippines, ensuring a safe, organized, and well-guided return home.

As stated by Eduard Ilagan, who bid his farewell to his parents, "I am extremely grateful to the Migrant Workers Office for the assistance they provided to my parents during their repatriation. I also genuinely thank everyone who supported us from the very beginning until their departure. The aid and coordination offered throughout the entire process brought us comfort and reassurance during a challenging period, and we are sincerely appreciative of all the efforts made to ensure their safe return home."

Moreover, five (5) OFWs who had been residing in the ward of the Philippine Embassy were among those included in the 6^th batch flight. They were identified as Mary Ann G. Narciso, Gerlie R. Sabalberino, Rinez C. Narciso, Jessa Mae Villadares, and Phoebe Kate R. Miguel.

The inclusion of these individuals was a component of the government's continuous initiative aimed at aiding distressed Filipinos overseas by facilitating safe and orderly repatriation. The group mostly beauticians, which had been under temporary care at the embassy ward, conveyed their relief and appreciation as they were at last able to return home, owing to the collaborative efforts of Philippine government agencies and partner volunteers.

Labor Attache Dr. Orville A. Ballictoc emphasized the repatriation initiative, highlighting that the involved government agencies, namely the Department of Migrant Workers, Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW-MWO-OWWA) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under the One-Country team led by Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, with Owwa Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns B. Gumabay have successfully facilitated the return of a diverse group of repatriates. This effort prioritizes the welfare of OFWs and their dependents, ensuring that at-risk individuals, including the elderly and young children, received the necessary care and support throughout their journey.

Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas and Madam Moira G. Gallaga, the spouse of Ambassador Gallaga, were actively present on-site alongside representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Rapid Response Team, Marcelo S. Maningding Jr. and Kristine Oliveros. Additionally, former Bahrain Welfare Officer Dr. Amelito S. Adel and OWWA Riyadh Welfare Officer Eric Miranda were also in attendance, collaborating closely to guarantee that all necessary support and coordination were efficiently established.

Capt. Noel Escalona, the Senior National Representative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the Combined Maritime Forces (AFPSNR to CMF), along with Dalyn Mendoza, a representative of the Social Security System, were also present to offer assistance to OFWs traveling from Bahrain to Dammam, which served as their designated exit point. Their involvement was part of a larger inter-agency initiative aimed at ensuring the safe, orderly, and efficient transit of returning Filipinos during their travel.

The dedicated staff and personnel of the Philippine Embassy, the MWO, and OWWA joined forces, each playing a crucial role in the execution of the repatriation efforts.

Since the first day of the repatriation from Bahrain, the entire team has been actively present on site, showcasing their steadfast commitment to the well-being of those affected.