PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that overseas Filipino worker (OFW) teachers returning from conflict-affected areas in the Middle East will be deployed to public schools in the Philippines, as the government seeks to address the country’s education needs and provide livelihood opportunities for repatriated workers.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Marcos said the government continues to assist Filipinos affected by the conflict in the Middle East, including the safe repatriation of thousands of overseas workers.

The President reported that more than 12,000 Filipinos have been safely brought home since the start of the conflict, while over 140,000 OFWs have received various forms of assistance, including food, financial support, medical services, and temporary shelter.

To help returning workers rebuild their livelihoods, Marcos said the government extended assistance through the AKSYON Fund and the OWWA-Kabuhayan Program. Others were referred to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), participated in the Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa job fairs, or were assisted in securing overseas employment opportunities.

Marcos also highlighted a special initiative for repatriated Filipino educators, saying OFW teachers who return to the country will be deployed to public schools where their skills and experience are most needed.

“Returning OFW teachers will now enter our public schools where they are needed the most. Here in the Philippines, they will once again be our Ma’am and Sir,” the President said.

The initiative comes amid continuing efforts to address teacher shortages and improve the quality of education in public schools.

Marcos assured OFWs that the government will continue coordinating with foreign governments and providing necessary assistance to protect their welfare, especially amid reports that some Filipinos have died or remain missing due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.