ILOILO – In light of rising tensions between Israel and Iran that have triggered ripple effects across the Middle East, the Iloilo provincial government has expanded its monitoring efforts to include all Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the region — not just those based in the two countries directly involved in the conflict.
Cynthia Parcon-Dario, head of the provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO), said the move comes in response to Iran’s missile attack targeting a United States military base in Qatar on Monday night.
The incident has led several neighboring countries — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Jordan — to temporarily shut down their airspace as a precautionary measure.
“We no longer limit our monitoring to Israel and Iran. Our tracking now covers all Middle East countries that could be affected by the growing conflict,” said Dario in an interview with Panay News.
The province has activated emergency hotlines (09989905663, 09177543833, 09616804428, and 09167583156) under the institutionalized “Task Force Bulig Ilonggo,” created through Executive Order No. 004, series of 2020.
These hotlines operate 24/7 and are open to all Ilonggo OFWs who may be affected by regional instability or in need of assistance.
As of June 23, PESO-Iloilo has accounted for at least 65 Ilonggo OFWs in Israel and Iran, most of whom work as caregivers. So far, none have requested repatriation, citing that they remain safe and prefer to continue working.
However, Dario said distressed OFWs from any Middle Eastern country may request help, including repatriation. Once a request is made through the hotlines, PESO will document the case and assess the kind of support needed. Coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and other relevant agencies will follow.
Returning OFWs may receive a range of reintegration support, including a one-time P10,000 financial aid, psychosocial assistance through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, skills training via TESDA, livelihood opportunities from the DTI, or job placement in private firms.
“For distressed OFWs from Israel or any affected area, we provide P10,000 in financial aid, and most applicants qualify since they come from crisis situations,” Dario added./PN
