The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Zamboanga City successfully facilitated the homecoming of a large group of returning Filipinos from Sabah, marking a significant humanitarian effort as the new year began.
A Festive Send-Off Before the Journey Home
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, personnel at the DSWD's Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP) in Mampang village, Zamboanga City, organized a special year-end celebration for 200 returning Filipinos. The event, filled with entertainment, games, and prize distributions, was designed to bring moments of joy to the participants. This festive gathering occurred a day before their scheduled departure to their home provinces.
This was not the first celebration held for the group. According to reports, the PCDP staff also hosted a Christmas Party for them on December 25, 2025. Notably, while all the individuals are of the Islamic faith, they wholeheartedly participated in the singing and festivities. This demonstrated a beautiful spirit of unity, showing that compassion and kindness transcend all differences.
Organized Repatriation and Support
The group of returning Filipinos, who are residents of Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi, and Sitangkai in the same province, initially arrived in Zamboanga City on December 20, 2025. They were temporarily housed at the PCDP center while arrangements for their final journey were made.
On Friday, January 2, 2026, the DSWD Field Office-9 officially sent the 200 individuals home to their respective hometowns within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). To ensure a smooth and supported journey, the DSWD provided comprehensive assistance, which included:
- Transportation assistance for their travel.
- Financial support to cover food and other basic needs during the trip.
A Model of Compassionate Service
This coordinated effort by the DSWD Field Office-9 highlights the government's commitment to assisting overseas Filipinos in their return and reintegration. The provision of both material support and emotional care through celebrations underscores a holistic approach to social welfare. The successful repatriation of these 200 individuals from Sabah through Zamboanga City stands as a testament to effective inter-agency and cross-cultural cooperation, ensuring fellow citizens can return home with dignity and support as they start a new chapter.
