Negros Occidental activates help desk for Middle East OFWs amid tension

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Occidental provincial government has activated an OFW Help Desk and Hotline to assist residents with families and loved ones working in the Middle East amid heightened tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said in a Monday media interview that Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has directed full support for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the province affected by the ongoing conflict.

The provincial government committed to provide timely information, guidance, and support to those who may need assistance, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Diaz said they have received one call from a resident of Isabela town who was supposed to travel to Riyadh for work but whose flight was diverted back to Manila.

He added that they are coordinating with the individual to provide assistance to enable her to return to the province.

Diaz said the provincial government will prepare financial assistance for those displaced by the ongoing tension and will coordinate with OWWA in case repatriation becomes necessary.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental third district Rep. Janice Degamo urged those with loved ones in affected areas to stay informed and maintain communication with embassies and official government channels.

She noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised crisis alert levels in several areas to safeguard Filipinos abroad, including thousands of OFWs serving in those regions.

“Let us come together in prayer for their protection, safety, and swift return home when conditions require it. May God watch over every Filipino working far from home,” Degamo said in a Facebook post.