SEN. Bong Go on Thursday called on government agencies to ensure responsive contingency measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the war in the Middle East.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has confirmed a slowdown in deployment, with some workers opting to defer or cancel employment plans amid uncertainty in the region.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said flight cancellations and security concerns have disrupted mobility, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, transport, construction and events management.
“The government should have a clear plan for our OFWs affected by the situation in West Asia. We cannot neglect their welfare, especially if their jobs and livelihoods are affected,” Go said in Filipino.
Cacdac clarified that, despite claims circulating online, there are no confirmed reports of tens of thousands of stranded OFWs. He noted that government agencies have been assisting affected workers at airports since the early stages of the conflict.
Support measures include financial aid, temporary shelter, transportation and travel assistance back to home provinces. The DMW has also issued advisories encouraging OFWs to remain in their host countries when it is safe to do so.
“If there are our compatriots who are forced to retreat or return home, there should be help waiting for them — from jobs to temporary support — to bounce back,” Go said.
“It’s good to have immediate help, but we also need to think about long-term solutions. There needs to be direction on how to help OFWs find a way to earn a living again,” he added.
To address potential displacement, the DMW is coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and local government units to organize job fairs and livelihood programs to reintegrate returning workers into the domestic economy.
Go reiterated the government’s responsibility to safeguard OFWs, many of whom continue to support their families through remittances despite global uncertainties.
He also highlighted his role as a co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 11641, which established the DMW.
