Pinoys sent home from Saudi to get government assistance

Malacañang assured yesterday that the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Saudi Arabia upon President Arroyo’s request will be given "comprehensive aftercare" to help them start out fresh in their home country.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the President has instructed the labor and social welfare departments to work with the Presidential Management Staff chief Arthur Yap, who is also presidential adviser on job creation, to draw up measures for the hundreds of OFWs pardoned by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Close to 700 OFWs were released from prison and sent home by the Saudi king since February.

The President’s state visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to 10 ended with 170 of these released OFWs arriving in Manila with the President Thursday.

"The aftercare program will serve as a concrete model of government assistance to distressed OFWs as part of the government’s reintegration program under the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA)," Bunye said.

He said the OFWs must be given preferred training so that they can have a source of livelihood here at home. He said the OFWs will be given assistance by the government, especially in microfinance.

"Other programs may include counseling for those who suffered psychological trauma while in detention," Bunye said.

He said the entire nation is grateful to the Saudi king for his gesture of friendship and compassion: "On top of the Saudi government’s assurance of protecting the welfare of our workers in the kingdom, (Mrs.) Arroyo was able to gather inward investments that would ensure good-paying jobs for Filipinos at home."

"At the same time, we got a nod from the king for a continued supply of oil and this should blunt any crisis scenarios even as we drive towards greater energy independence," he said.

Bunye said the confidence the Philippines achieved globally was a result of strong diplomacy and tough decisions at home.

Meanwhile, the government will send a trade attaché to Saudi Arabia following the kingdom’s expressed interest in importing more Philippine products.

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila said Faisal Abdullah had been appointed trade attaché for the Philippines to make sure that the country’s products would be marketed easily in Saudi Arabia.

Favila said furniture from the Philippines was brought to Saudi through Europe, adding that the President’s visit paved the way for the direct exportation of Philippine furniture to Saudi Arabia.

He said Saudi businessmen were also ready to accept Philippine food products and garments, among other Philippine exports.

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said the release of the OFWs from Saudi Arabia was more than just an act of goodwill by King Abdullah, but also signified the Saudi monarch’s recognition of Filipinos’ contribution to the oil-rich nation’s economic development.

Sto. Tomas said the Saudi ruler does not normally release such a large number of offenders from the kingdom’s jails and government "holding centers." — Aurea Calica, James Mananghaya and Christina Mendez