Senator Bong Go urged concerned agencies to ensure that clear and responsive contingency measures are in place for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing tensions in West Asia, following reports of declining deployment as workers reconsider their plans abroad.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) earlier confirmed that deployment has dropped as some OFWs have chosen not to proceed with their overseas employment due to safety concerns and travel disruptions.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that flight cancellations and uncertainties in the region have contributed to the slowdown, particularly in industries such as hospitality, transport, construction, and events management.
Amid these developments, Go stressed the need for preparedness and structured support systems for affected workers.
“Hindi natin pwedeng pabayaan ang kanilang kapakanan lalo na kung naapektuhan ang kanilang trabaho at kabuhayan.”
“Dapat may malinaw na plano ang gobyerno para sa ating mga OFWs na apektado ng sitwasyon sa West Asia. Hindi natin puwedeng pabayaan ang kanilang kapakanan lalo na kung naapektuhan ang kanilang trabaho at kabuhayan,” the veteran legislator said.
The seasoned lawmaker emphasized that while some workers are choosing to remain in the country, sustained assistance is necessary for those who may be displaced or returning home.
“Kung may mga kababayan tayong napilitang umatras o umuwi, dapat may nakaabang na tulong sa kanila—mula sa trabaho hanggang sa pansamantalang suporta—para makabangon muli,” the senator added.
Cacdac clarified that despite earlier claims circulating online, there are no confirmed reports of tens of thousands of stranded OFWs. He noted that government agencies have been assisting affected workers at airports since the early stages of the conflict, providing financial aid, temporary shelter, transportation, and travel assistance to their home provinces.
The DMW has also been issuing advisories encouraging OFWs to remain where they are, when it is safe to do so.
Go acknowledged these ongoing efforts but underscored the importance of long-term interventions beyond immediate relief.
“Maganda na may agarang tulong, pero kailangan din nating isipin ang pangmatagalang solusyon.”
“Maganda na may agarang tulong, pero kailangan din nating isipin ang pangmatagalang solusyon. Kailangan may direksyon kung paano tutulungan ang mga OFWs na makahanap muli ng pagkakakitaan,” the senator explained.
To address potential displacement, the DMW has been coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and local government units (LGUs) to organize job fairs and livelihood programs for returning workers. These initiatives aim to provide alternative employment opportunities and help ease the transition for those affected by the slowdown in overseas deployment.
There is currently no total deployment ban in place, according to the DMW, but authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as tensions persist in parts of West Asia.
Go reiterated that safeguarding the welfare of OFWs requires both immediate response and planning.
“Ang ating mga OFWs ay patuloy na nagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya. Responsibilidad natin na siguraduhin na may maayos na plano at sapat na suporta para sa kanila sa ganitong mga pagkakataon,” he said.
Go has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), highlighting his role as one of the authors and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the DMW to provide better protection and streamlined services for OFWs.
This law consolidated government efforts to deliver more efficient and responsive assistance to Filipinos working abroad.
