ILOILO — The Iloilo provincial government is now on heightened monitoring of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong after the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that more than 54,000 workers from Western Visayas are deployed in the territory — just days after a catastrophic residential fire killed at least 128 people.
The regional figure, 54,629 documented OFWs, was provided by DMW Region 6 to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)–Iloilo Province, according to PESO manager Cynthia Dario.
The province-level breakdown is still being determined.
“Ang datus is on a regional data that is 54,629 kag ini nga data naghalin sa DMW,” Dario said when asked by reporters on Monday, Dec. 1, how many of these workers trace their roots specifically to Iloilo.
She added that this figure does not include undocumented workers.
The massive accounting effort follows the Nov. 27 blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, one of the deadliest residential fires recorded in the territory.
The Philippine Consulate General has confirmed the death of one Filipino: Maryan Pascual Esteban of Cainta, Rizal, who was previously listed as missing.
2 Ilonggo domestic workers caught in fire but now safe
Dario confirmed that two OFWs from Maasin, Iloilo, who worked as domestic helpers in the affected building, were inside the structure when the fire broke out.
“Sa subong safe sila though they are in a state of trauma kay naka-witness sila sang pagkasunog gid mismo sang building,” she said.
The two are currently staying with friends and are physically unharmed. PESO–Iloilo is awaiting their decision on whether they wish to be repatriated.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has already instructed PESO–Iloilo to prepare assistance for distressed OFWs, including those who may decide to come home.
According to PESO’s Parcon, affected Ilonggo OFWs who return to the province may avail themselves of P10,000 financial assistance.
Hotlines activated, barangays mobilized
To address public anxiety and help families track their relatives in Hong Kong, PESO–Iloilo has opened 24/7 emergency hotlines: 0998-9905-663; 0917-7543-833; 0910-0054-682; 0916-7583-156; and 0995-9310-922.
Dario said all Barangay PESO Coordinators have also been mobilized to profile OFWs currently working in Hong Kong to determine their safety and situation.
“Ang pag-account sang OFWs sa Hong Kong,” she stressed, has become a priority in light of the tragic fire and the sheer number of Ilonggos and Western Visayans now working in the territory./PN
