Hotline 1348 launched for distressed OFWs

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) of continued government programs like the “One Repatriation Command Center” or Hotline 1348 for distressed Filipinos abroad.

The President, during the observance of the OFW Day held in Pasay City, launched the “One Repatriation Command Center” which he said is open for those who need to be rescued or repatriated, and those who need counseling and legal assistance.

Marcos also said the government is continuously crafting measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos working abroad.

He said government is also providing services for the reintegration of OFWs who chose to stay in the Philippines for good, such as the Livelihood Development Assistance Program, Financial Awareness Seminar-Small Business Management Training, Enterprise Development Loan Program, Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Pag-unlad ng Samahang OFWs, and Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay.

He said the government, through the OFW Children Circle and the OWWA Education and Training Program and Educational Assistance, also provides scholarships and educational aid to children of OFWs, as well as health services through the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga, among others.

He reiterated his dream that working abroad would become a choice for Filipinos and not a necessity.

The President again honored the OFWs and acknowledged their sacrifices and contributions for the country.

The OFW Grand Family Day, with the theme “Nagkakaisang Pamilyang OFWs Patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” was organized by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in recognition of the sacrifices and hard work of the Filipino workers abroad.