12 overseas workers get psychosocial help

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CEBU CITY — The Department of Migrant Workers Central Visayas (DMW-7), in partnership with the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7), recently conducted a psychosocial processing activity to strengthen its support for distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Health professionals guided the session, providing returning OFWs a safe space to share their experiences abroad, release emotional burdens and begin their healing journey.

The initiative forms part of the DMW’s Full-Cycle Reintegration Program, which places a strong emphasis on mental and emotional well-being of OFWs who seek reintegration into the country.

At least 12 OFWs took part in the session, each receiving P50,000 in financial assistance through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund, a government program designed to provide immediate aid to returning migrant workers in crisis.

One participant, still coping with distress after a difficult deployment abroad, said the activity helped lighten the emotional weight they carried back home.

“Nindot kaayo naay maminaw. Na-release naku ang akong gibati (It was so nice to have someone listen. I was able to release what I felt),” the participant said.

DMW-7 officer in charge Maria Eloida Cantona expressed appreciation to DOH-7 for supporting the agency’s efforts to extend compassionate care for OFWs who endured hardship abroad.

The session was facilitated by DOH-7 psychometricians Jan Vinhery Taboada, Jezer Bon Luy and John Paul Cocon, who guided the participants through reflective and emotionally supportive exercises.

This marked the second psychosocial processing activity organized by DMW-7 this year. The first session was conducted in May.

The Aksyon Fund covers a range of assistance, including financial aid, repatriation, medical support and reintegration services.

It forms part of the government’s broader commitment to protect OFWs under Republic Act 11641, which established the DMW as the lead agency for migrant worker welfare.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, nearly 1.9 million Filipinos are working abroad as of 2023. The government continues to enhance interagency coordination to meet the complex and evolving needs of this vital labor sector.

Meanwhile, Director Jhoaden Lucero officially assumed her post as the agency’s new regional director on Monday.

Lucero previously served as assistant regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region 5 (Bicol Region) before her appointment in the DMW.

She was accompanied to her new office by DILG-7 director Leocadio Trovela, assistant regional director Ian Kenneth Lucero and other officials from DILG.

Jhoaden Lucero, former DILG Region 5 assistant regional director, officially assumed her post as DMW-7 regional director on Monday. She was joined by Trovela, Ian Kenneth Lucero and other DILG officials.