Manila: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is ramping up its emergency response operations to better cater to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the Middle East crisis, while assuring that funds remain sufficient to sustain repatriation and welfare support efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, OWWA Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan announced during a press briefing that the agency is in the process of hiring more personnel to enhance its hotline operations and Repatriation and Assistance Division. This move comes after receiving over 500 applicants, including some former OFWs. Caunan highlighted that OWWA receives hundreds of assistance requests daily from OFWs and their families. Caunan emphasized the urgency in hiring additional staff due to the high volume of calls and assistance requests, averaging 250 per day. She noted that the augmentation team operates 24/7, addressing each call and request. OWWA has also expanded its communication platforms, utilizing WhatsApp, Viber, email, and the eGov app to facilitate assistance for OFWs, particularly in the Middle East. In addition to hotline support, OWWA has implemented a "social media watch" to monitor and respond to pleas for help from Filipinos on Facebook. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that onsite assistance continues for OFWs in conflict areas, providing basic needs, temporary accommodation, and transport assistance. Cacdac revealed that as of the latest figures, 7,255 OFWs across Gulf States, including Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon, have received assistance. To ensure safe repatriation, the government has deployed a multi-layered strategy using commercial and chartered flights, as well as land crossings in nearby countries with limited airspace. Personnel from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), OWWA, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have been stationed at key transit points to assist OFWs from exit to arrival. Nearly 1,200 government-funded repatriation tickets have been secured for OFWs and their dependents. Caunan assured that OWWA's funding is sufficient to cover all emergency operations, including repatriation and support services. The Executive Branch has also assured that OFWs will be prioritized for support and repatriation. Caunan stated that both the Aksyon Fund of the DMW and the Emergency Repatriation Fund of OWWA are being utilized effectively to cover these expenses. The priority remains to provide assistance and ensure the safe return of OFWs, with current funds deemed more than adequate for ongoing operations.