• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City government have established their respective help desks to assist Negrenses whose families are Overseas Filipino Workers, amid escalating armed conflict between the United States – Israel, and Iran.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz yesterday said that Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has ordered to give all out support to Negrense OFWs, who might be affected by the ongoing armed conflict in the Middle East.
Diaz said they are now helping a resident of Isabela in Negros Occidental, whose flight to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was cancelled.
In coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the provincial government commits to provide timely information, guidance, and support to those who may need assistance during this challenging time,.
The provincial government hotline is 0998-956-9037 or 0924 109 7705.
Glenda Aligonza, regional director of Department of Migrant Workers – Negros Island Region, also encouraged families of affected OFWs to contact DMW hotlines – 0965 9403 9063, 965 6040 3858, or 0965 6558 5355 if they need assistance.
Mayor Greg Gasataya also said they have also set up Help Desk at the Bacolod Government Center.
In a press briefing, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said there is no order yet for the mass repatriation of OFWs, adding that the tension in the Middle East is not yet at Alert Level 4, which requires mandatory repatriation.
He, however, assured of intensified in-country assistance for affected OFWs, as some have asked to be repatriated.
In Dubai, Cacdac said about 80 to 100 OFWs have sought to be repatriated.
They were transported first to safer grounds due to many cancelled flights, he added.
As to the repatriation of any Negrense OFWs, Diaz they will wait for instructions from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
As soon as they will arrive, we are preparing for some financial assistance, so that we can help their families, he also said.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are 2 million OFWs in the Middle East, as of 2025.* with PNA report
