The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said more than 100 Filipinos in Sri Lanka have expressed willingness to be repatriated next week after the crisis-hit South Asian country was placed under Alert Level 2.
In the July 20 Laging Handa briefing, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said they ceased deploying Filipino contract workers to Sri Lanka due to the current “difficult situation” in the country in light of its economic crisis.
“Sa 700 na Filipino, may 100 na nagsabi na gusto makauwi pero karamihan will stay there, bukod sa may pamilya sila doon, mga Filipino are very resilient and ready to face all challenges,” De Vega said.
The official said the repatriated Filipinos will be assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration through its reintegration program.
Cash assistance will also be provided to all Filipinos who will choose to stay in Sri Lanka. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio/KC-ag
