Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally visited Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were affected by the Al Barsha 1 fire during the third wave of emergency aid distribution held on May 31, 2025, at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai.
Cacdac showed deep concern as he spoke directly with victims of the May 13 blaze, many of whom had been living in shared accommodations—commonly known as “partitions”—to cope with high rental costs. He asked about their current welfare and reassured them that support would not end there.
He confirmed that cash assistance would be provided not only to the OFWs in Dubai but also to their families back in the Philippines. This expanded help is meant to cushion the economic blow many families are now facing due to the incident.
Two OFWs sadly lost their lives in the fire. The first victim’s remains were repatriated on May 26 through the AKSYON Fund, while the second is scheduled for repatriation with assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and MWO Dubai. DMW is also extending support to the families of the deceased.
Secretary Cacdac also met with five OFWs who sustained injuries during the explosion. After being treated at Rashid Hospital and later transferred to Jebel Ali Hospital, all have now been discharged and were among the recipients of emergency assistance.
A total of 145 OFWs received help in the third batch, raising the total number of assisted individuals to 484. The earlier rounds served 198 and 141 OFWs, respectively. All aid was made available through the AKSYON Fund, DMW’s dedicated emergency assistance program.
The DMW continues to coordinate closely with UAE officials to ensure that affected OFWs are given all the help they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
