Negros Occidental Opens Help Desk for OFWs Amid Conflict

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government is on alert to assist Negrense overseas Filipino workers affected by the Israel-Iran conflict.

The provincial OFW Help Desk is ready to accommodate concerns from Negrenses with family members in the affected countries, the governor said.

He added that the Public Employment Service Office, through its Migrant Resource Center and OFW Desk, remains open to assist those with relatives in Israel or Iran.

“It’s always open,” Lacson said.

“They can always come to the Capitol building.”

PESO Manager Karen Dinsay said the OFW Help Desk is also ready to help affected OFWs in Israel, Iran and nearby Jordan.

The provincial government is offering PHP5,000 in financial assistance to repatriated, distressed or displaced OFWs, she said.

However, Dinsay noted there has been no advisory from the Department of Migrant Workers on whether any Negrense OFWs are on the voluntary repatriation list or wish to return to the Philippines.

She added that the provincial government will also provide immediate aid—rice and canned goods—to repatriated OFWs while financial assistance is being processed.

While no mandatory evacuation has been declared, the DMW said it is working to assist Filipinos who wish to come home.

Families of Negrense OFWs in Iran, Israel or Jordan may call Capitol hotlines at (034) 476-7230 or 0998-956-9037 for assistance or to connect with the DMW, Dinsay said.