ILOILO City – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Region 6 has assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East and their families of immediate assistance and repatriation support as tension and instability continue to escalate in the Middle East.
Regional Director Glenda Aligonza said the agency, together with several national and local government partners, is closely coordinating efforts to ensure that OFWs affected by the crisis receive the necessary welfare services, protection, and reintegration assistance.
She urged distressed OFWs and their relatives to immediately reach out to the agency for assistance, particularly those who wish to request repatriation or other forms of government intervention.
“Sa tanan nga tion handa kami mag bulig,” Aligonza said.
To ensure accessible assistance, DMW-6 said its main office at the second floor of Plazuela Dos, Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, remains open to accommodate inquiries, welfare concerns, and requests for repatriation assistance.
The agency also activated several hotlines and online platforms to provide immediate support to OFWs and their families, including its official email, Facebook page, and dedicated welfare and airport help desks.
Among the available contact channels are the Welfare and Reintegration Section hotline at 0966‑052‑2189 and the Iloilo/Kalibo Airport Help Desk numbers 0961‑431‑5092 and 0920‑925‑9750.
DMW-6 also recently convened a coordination meeting with partner agencies under the National Reintegration Network to strengthen the government’s response to the crisis affecting Filipino migrant workers.
Participants in the meeting included representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Public Employment Service Offices of Iloilo Province and Iloilo City, and the PGCA Inc. Iloilo Chapter.
The discussions focused on establishing a unified government response, identifying available resources for distressed workers, and developing sustainable programs to support affected OFWs and their dependents.
Officials emphasized that the coordinated approach aims to address both the immediate needs of distressed workers and the long‑term reintegration of returning OFWs.
DMW-6, which has been serving migrant workers in Western Visayas for three years, reiterated that its offices remain accessible to OFWs and their families seeking assistance.
The agency also encouraged the public to monitor its official Facebook page for updates on government programs and advisories related to the Middle East situation./PN
