Manila:<Text>

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Western Visayas (OWWA-6) is ready to assist migrant workers stranded in international airports in Manila or Cebu due to airport closures in the Middle East, should they opt to return to the province. OWWA-6 OIC Regional Director James Mendiola said in a phone interview on Wednesday that a task force is ready to pick up and even help Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their transport back to Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mendiola noted that they do not have the exact number of how many OFWs stranded in Manila are from the two regions. However, he mentioned that a large number of OFWs from these regions are working in Hong Kong and Singapore and are unaffected by the current situation. The second-highest number of OFWs from Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region are in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Mendiola pointed out that in Saudi Ara bia, there are still flights available to Jeddah, offering an alternative for those affected by airport closures in Riyadh.

Mendiola stated that currently, the affected OFWs are expecting a rebooking of their tickets and should be able to fly in the coming days once the airports reopen. If the situation persists, repatriation may become necessary. OWWA-6 is actively waiting for reports about Ilonggos who may wish to be repatriated and maintains communication channels for timely updates. The provincial governments in Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique have reached out to their constituents, encouraging relatives of OFWs abroad to express their interest in possible repatriation.

Mendiola explained that the majority of OFWs are monitoring the situation closely. If the situation escalates, they may choose to return home, but if conditions remain stable, they will likely continue working. In the event of a heightened alert level and mandatory repatriation, OWWA-6 is prepared to assist i n the repatriation process. He assured Ilonggo OFWs in the Middle East that the government is closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing their welfare in case of mass repatriation.

Mendiola emphasized that from Manila to their provinces, OFWs will receive assistance from OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and other government offices. He urged families to familiarize themselves with hotline numbers and share them with their OFW relatives to ensure proper assistance during repatriation or evacuation.

OWWA data indicated that as of March 3, there are 57,486 OFWs from Western Visayas in the Middle East, with 18,665 of them working in Saudi Arabia.