The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other agencies, continues to help OFWs and families affected by the global crisis. These efforts are part of the “Saving Lives” component of the government’s UPLIFT initiative.
UPLIFT stands for “Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport,” a framework designed to ensure the welfare of all citizens, including OFWs. It goes in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which is to ensure concrete support for our “modern-day heroes,” from their repatriation to successful reintegration in the Philippines.
161,034 Types of Assistance Given
According to the latest update from the DMW, about 14,134 OFWs from 16 countries had been repatriated as of 25 September 2026. A total of 398 flights were deployed to ensure their safe return to the Philippines.
The report shows that all in all, the DMW and its attached agencies provided 161,034 assistance and services, such as food, shelter, transportation, medical aid, and financial aid.
Of these, majority or 99,931 were given as “onsite assistance,” whereas 44,402 were delivered as “post-arrival assistance.”
Meanwhile, 16,701 were categorized as “reintegration assistance,” i.e. training, livelihood, job facilitation, and medical/psychosocial assistance.
Total Amount as of September 25, 2026
Correspondingly, the cost of onsite assistance amounted to PHP 732.8 million, covering airfare, repatriation, and work-related expenses. Likewise, the costs of post-arrival assistance and reintegration assistance are PHP 244.1 million and PHP 33.9 million, respectively. In sum, the cost of all types of assistance amounted to a grand total of PHP 1.01 billion.
Also Read: DMW and OWWA Seek Extra PHP4 Billion for OFW Aid in 2027
Image Credit: Department of Migrant Workers / Facebook
With the Middle East crisis still ongoing, and the impending threat of a “Super El Niño” across the Pacific region — OFWs and their families back home are currently facing rising inflation, water shortage, and an energy emergencies. Thankfully, the government’s UPLIFT initiative is actively responding to the challenge, ensuring the delivery of basic services, supply of domestic energy, and the continuity of economic activities.
What’s more, our modern-day heroes have another thing to look forward to… the proposed PHP 5,000 Monthly Pension Act. Read this article for more details about this legislation.