The Department of Migrant Workers has ramped up the distribution of financial assistance for overseas Filipino workers affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
Qualified OFWs are receiving $200 (around ₱12,000) in aid, covering those who lost jobs, experienced reduced working hours, or suffered salary cuts due to regional instability.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the program is now in full swing, backed by an ₱800 million budget replenishment approved by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
“Lalarga tayo… in terms of further distribution of our financial assistance,” Cacdac said, noting that the fund also covers on-site aid, repatriation, and transport costs.
As of the latest data, 4,502 OFWs have already received financial assistance, while more are expected to benefit as distribution continues.
The program covers workers across 10 Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
DMW officials said the application process has been simplified to speed up access, requiring basic documents such as a passport, proof of employment, and evidence of income disruption.
Assistant Secretary Jun Rasul said self-declaration and certifications from Filipino community organizations are also accepted to make the process easier for affected workers.
The assistance forms part of a broader crisis response, which includes repatriation and reintegration support, as the government continues to assist Filipinos impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Authorities added that over 30,000 OFWs have already received various forms of government support, while thousands have been repatriated as part of ongoing efforts to protect Filipino workers abroad.
