The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) sent home the fourth Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Singapore for this year this September 1, 2024.

46-year-old Alias “Cherry” was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm. She’s the fourth domestic helper who was sent home under the Last Mile Initiative Program of the PRC and SRC which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions. 

The other three repatriated OFWs this year were Aliases “Victoria” on January 27 and “Angelou” and “Gracia” both sent home last August 28. The program was able to send home seven (7) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“They (OFWs) decided to work overseas because of their love for their families. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It is important for us at the Red Cross to help them reunite with their families, especially now that we have just entered “Ber” months and Christmas is fast approaching. Huwag silang masyadong mag-alala at malungkot dahil nandito kami para tulungan silang makabangon muli,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patient from Changi Airport to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for “Cherry” and assisted her back in Pangasinan. According to the PRC, it will continue to monitor the patient’s health condition and possibly provide livelihood support for her welfare and recovery.  

“We have already sent home seven distressed OFWs and will continue to help and reach more. This meaningful endeavor would not be possible without the combined passion and hard work of the PRC and SRC teams as well as the continued support of the Clark International Airport, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Masaya kami na makatulong sa ating mga kababayan pauwi sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit the Philippine Red Cross official page.