In the wake of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that devastated parts of Central Philippines on September 30, the Department of Migrant Workers Regional Office VII (DMW RO-VII) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Office VII (OWWA RO-VII) have mobilized support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Officials from both agencies are stationed at the airport’s Arrival Area to provide much-needed transportation assistance to returning OFWs, ensuring they can safely reach their families amid the crisis. Among those on duty are Luis C. Avelino, Administrative Assistant II; Ronner L. Capistrano, Labor and Employment Officer III; Jerson Tom T. Gumandol, Administrative Officer V; and Jose Nino S. Ursal, OWWA Nurse.
The initiative comes as Cebu grapples with widespread destruction and a rising death toll that has reached at least 72 fatalities, according to disaster officials. Hundreds more were injured after the shallow offshore quake struck northeast of Bogo City, triggering power outages, communication breakdowns, and extensive damage to homes, churches, and infrastructure. PHIVOLCS has since recorded more than 700 aftershocks in the region.
Authorities acknowledged the crucial role of local government support in sustaining relief efforts. The DMW RO-VII expressed gratitude to Danao City Government, under Mayor Ramon Durano III, for providing vehicles to ferry OFWs from the airport to their destinations.
The Central Visayas has been among the hardest hit by the disaster, with Bogo City bearing significant casualties and damage. The quake struck just before 10 p.m. at a depth of 5 kilometers, amplifying its destructive impact and catching many residents indoors at night.
