LGUs Open Help Desks for OFWs Amid Mideast Conflict

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Glazyl M. Jopson

The Public Employment Services Offices of Iloilo province and Iloilo City are urging overseas Filipino workers and their families affected by the Israel-Iran conflict to seek government assistance.

PESO-Iloilo head Cynthia Dario said they have identified 37 OFWs from the province affected by the ongoing conflict.

The breakdown includes three from Janiuay, two from Leganes, 10 from Maasin, three from Oton, two from Pototan, two from San Joaquin and 15 from Zarraga.

Of the 37, nine are male and 28 are female.

Dario said 80% to 90% of the OFWs are working as caregivers.

Of those profiled, four OFWs reported they are safe, five have been declared unsafe by their families and 18 have not disclosed their status.

“These numbers are expected to increase because our monitoring and profiling are ongoing,” she said.

She noted that no formal repatriation requests have been received so far.

For those deemed unsafe, any action will depend on the families’ and workers’ decisions.

“We ask the families to talk to their OFW relatives and find out if they want to be repatriated,” she said.

“Most of them, even if in unsafe situations, have opted to stay for now due to restrictions under Israel’s current alert level.”

Dario said PESO-Iloilo is coordinating closely with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in case repatriation becomes necessary.

PESO-Iloilo has activated 24/7 emergency hotlines to assist Ilonggo OFWs and their families.

The office is also working with OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs to get updated information on OFW status.

“Our next step is to reconcile data with these agencies to pinpoint the exact locations of affected OFWs,” she said.

She added that some Ilonggo workers impacted by the earlier Israel-Hamas war may still be affected by the current conflict.

If repatriation is requested, PESO-Iloilo will provide financial assistance and livelihood support.

Since 2021, the office has distributed PHP10,000 each to more than 1,500 distressed OFWs.

It also offers help through the EMBRACE program, which provides soft loans for returning OFWs to rebuild after crises.

Meanwhile, PESO-Iloilo City head Gab Umadhay said they are monitoring 24 OFWs currently in Israel.

The workers are employed in hospitals, hotels, households and the food industry.

He said most OFWs have safety protocols in place and report stable conditions, though the situation remains volatile.

“We are more than willing to assist with repatriation, but it must be with the consent of the OFWs and their families,” he said.

Despite the risks, many OFWs in Israel—most of whom have been there since before 2019—have chosen to stay, citing fear of starting over.

Umadhay said the city government has offered job opportunities in other countries, but most have opted to remain.

If they return, PESO will assist in processing repatriation documents, including the proper withdrawal of contracts to avoid financial disputes.

A case study will be conducted to assess each returnee’s situation.

Families will receive cash aid ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP25,000 and a livelihood package worth PHP15,000 to PHP30,000.

The Negros Occidental provincial government also mobilized support for overseas Filipino workers affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Tuesday that the Public Employment Service Office has activated its OFW Help Desk to assist families of those in affected areas.

“The help desk is always open,” Lacson said.

“Residents can come to the Capitol building for assistance.”

He also expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

PESO manager Karen Dinsay said the Help Desk, along with the Migrant Resource Center, is also monitoring developments in neighboring Jordan due to its proximity to Israel.

She said they are awaiting instructions and data from the Department of Migrant Workers, particularly on voluntary repatriation.

Although the DMW has begun offering repatriation to affected OFWs, no Negrense workers have so far requested to return home.

In the meantime, the provincial government has begun distributing relief goods such as rice and canned food and is processing financial aid for displaced workers.

Each distressed OFW is entitled to PHP5,000 in cash assistance.

Dinsay added that they are awaiting an official list of Negrense OFWs currently in Israel to assess the extent of assistance needed.