ILOILO – As tensions escalate once again in the Middle East following renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, the Iloilo provincial government has activated emergency protocols to closely monitor the condition of Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has directed the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) to be on high alert and to mobilize its networks for any potential calls for assistance from affected Ilonggos abroad or their families at home.
“We’re prepared to respond immediately should any Ilonggo OFW reach out to us for help,” said PESO-Iloilo manager Cynthia Parcon-Dario.
Though PESO’s Task Force Bulig Ilonggo, institutionalized through Executive Order No. 004 in 2020, is already tasked with assisting OFWs in crisis zones, Defensor’s latest order ensures continuous and real-time coordination in light of the developing situation in Israel.
Four dedicated emergency hotlines – 0998-990-5663, 0917-754-3833, 0961-680-4428, and 0916-758-3156 – are operational 24/7 to cater to inquiries or distress calls from Ilonggo OFWs or their relatives.
Barangay-based PESO coordinators and local OFW associations have also been mobilized to collect updates on the situation from families of those currently deployed in Israel.
“They’re our frontline sources for real-time data. If there are distressed OFWs in conflict zones, they’re the ones who alert us,” Dario explained.
Based on a 2023 barangay-level profiling, an estimated 200 Ilonggos are currently working in Israel.
As of press time, no distress calls or repatriation requests have been received. Still, the provincial government is actively coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to verify the status of Ilonggo OFWs and prepare for potential repatriation scenarios.
Dario said that any Ilonggo OFW who contacts their office for help will be thoroughly documented, with a case intake conducted to determine the nature of assistance needed—whether repatriation or otherwise.
If repatriation is requested, PESO-Iloilo Province will facilitate coordination with relevant national agencies.
Returning OFWs may also avail of various support programs, including ₱10,000 in financial aid, psychosocial intervention via the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), skills training through TESDA and DTI, or local employment referrals.
“For distressed OFWs, especially those from conflict areas like Israel, we ensure they are screened for our financial assistance. Most of them qualify given the crisis they are facing,” Dario emphasized.
She further urged Ilonggo workers in Israel not to panic.
“Our government is taking the necessary steps to protect and assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us through the hotlines provided. Governor Toto Defensor remains committed to ensuring the welfare of our OFWs,” Dario said./PN
