Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken decisive action by directing multiple government agencies to ensure the welfare and protection of overseas Filipinos amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at the Palace, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac shared that President Marcos has initiated an interagency mobilization to provide proper assistance and support to Filipinos in the Middle East. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is leading efforts to consolidate medical responses, which include online medical consultations and psychosocial support services via the Department of Health (DOH).
Secretary Henry Aguda from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been instructed by the President to ensure that all telecommunications companies maintain connectivity with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. Regional offices have been directed to offer free connections to anyone needing to contact their relatives in the affected areas.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is prepared to assist returning Filipinos. Furthermore, discussions between Cacdac and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque have focused on reintegration and livelihood programs for returning OFWs, should the situation continue to deteriorate.
Cacdac also highlighted the readiness to assist displaced OFWs, with employment options available both locally and abroad. Redeployment opportunities can be explored through recruitment agencies, and the DMW maintains a database of international job orders for returning workers. Locally, collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Tourism is underway to provide employment and livelihood opportunities.
In terms of skills training, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Francisco 'Kiko' Benitez is working with the DMW to offer reskilling and retooling programs for returning OFWs. Training vouchers are available, allowing workers to choose courses and training institutions.
The private sector has also shown support by offering livelihood opportunities and assisting with product marketing through malls and other establishments. Additionally, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro mentioned that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has scheduled an emergency meeting with oil companies to evaluate the Middle East situation's potential impact on local fuel prices.
