22 August 2012 – Twenty nationals staying at POLO/OWWA’s FWRC are due for repatriation on 27 August 2012 via Gulf Air. This development was announced earlier today by Consul General Benito Valeriano in a sendoff ceremony held at the POLO/OWWWA Dubai premises.
The Consul General highlighted the continuous efforts being done by the Department of Foreign Affairs through PCG and the Labor Office to assist nationals in distress as well as the facilitation of their repatriation. He noted that this group exceeded the earlier batch of thirteen (13) which took off last 4 August 2012 and completes the set of 35 nationals, not to mention the smaller sets of repatriation conducted throughout the year. He wished that a lesson could be lifted from the experiences of those in the group that future similar incidents may be prevented even as the government exhausts all efforts to champion their rights. He bids them safe return to their families.
Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin, head of the Assistance to Nationals (ATN Section), said that the event was the fulfillment of the Government’s commitment to assisting our nationals overseas and to ensure their protection.
Labot Attaché Delmer Cruz mentioned that a training package awaits the group in the Philippines and likened this program to equipping them with the skill to fish rather than just providing fish to eat.
Those who received their tickets could not hold back their happiness as this is the day they have been waiting for. One ward considered her ticket as an appropriate birthday gift as she celebrates her natal day today. To another, it was the end to a year and months of working and not being paid. Through the services provided by the PCG and POLO/OWWA, she will not be returning home with empty pockets as she was already granted her salary. For everyone, the ticket was the closest thing to being home.
The PCG’s Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Section spearheaded the repatriation with the assistance of POLO/OWWA. An important component of ATN work, it reflects the cooperation between the Consulate General and local authorities in making sure the necessary papers are in order and promptly processed. The repatriation, like the previous batch, is covered by ATN Fund of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).