The 220 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were recently pardoned by President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan should receive adequate assistance from the national government, Senator Loren Legarda said Wednesday.

In a news release, Legarda underscored the need for comprehensive reintegration measures to assist the pardoned OFWs to rebuild their lives once they are repatriated.

These include livelihood and skills training programs such as those offered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Programs such as the DOLE Kabuhayan and skill improvement programs from TESDA are available for those who want to tread a new path in work,” she said.

Legarda also called on the need to extend support to their families, particularly in addressing the educational needs of their children.

“Setting up scholarship programs for children of unemployed pardoned Filipinos is one concrete step in the road to reformation, helping them ease their financial burden,” she said.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday vowed to bring back the 220 pardoned OFWs and reintegrate them into Philippine society through a whole-of-government approach under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are expediting the processing of documents to ensure the swift repatriation of the pardoned individuals. (PNA)