Displaced overseas Filipino workers unable to return to their posts in the Middle East will receive government financial support and livelihood assistance, the Department of Migrant Workers said, though officials have not yet established how many workers are affected.
As reported by 24 Oras on Monday, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said a headcount of displaced workers is still being compiled. “Gumagawa pa tayo ng talaan kung sino yung mga hindi makapanumbalik,” he said.
Cacdac, who recently visited the Middle East, identified the hospitality, transport, restaurant, and construction sectors as among those bearing the brunt of the disruption. Workers in these industries have been advised to hold off on travelling until employment conditions stabilise. “Galing din ako sa Middle East at mayroon talagang mga sektor na apektado: hospitality sector, transport, restaurant, pati construction nga. So sila muna ang inaabisuhan natin, huwag muna magpatuloy kung wala naman dadatnan na mga trabaho sa abroad,” he said.
The DMW’s Bayanihan Para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa program is the primary vehicle for delivering this assistance, targeting OFWs with financial aid tied to livelihood and business support. Cacdac said the department has been extending help since the situation began deteriorating. “Sinabi naman natin na since Day 1 tinutulungan natin yung mga hindi maka-alis… Kaya tayo ay nagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga OFWs. Itong ating pondong pinansyal, tutulungan natin sila kung hindi muna sila makaalis,” he said.
