The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) vowed Wednesday to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon, following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos.
In a Palace briefing, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said they are working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to assist Filipino workers amid the escalating tensions.
The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut, led by a labor attaché and six staff members, is central to these efforts, with a veteran labor attaché, Adam Musa, already en route to augment the team.
“Our Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) in the Middle East are on standby to provide additional support if needed,” Olalia said.
As of now, 101 Filipino workers are housed in shelters and ready to return home.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon disrupted commercial flights, including one scheduled for Sept. 25, which would have repatriated 15 OFWs.
In response, the DMW is negotiating with airlines to arrange chartered flights, aiming to accommodate at least 300 workers.
Securing landing rights and exit permits remains a challenge, particularly for undocumented workers, who need travel documents.
The department is also exploring alternative routes—by sea or land—should the situation worsen.
In line with the President’s instructions, a “whole-of-government” approach will be adopted. OFWs will receive assistance from the DMW, OWWA, DFA, Department of Health (DOH), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Each repatriated worker is set to receive at least P150,000 in financial aid from DMW and OWWA funds. Currently, 63 OFWs are prepared for repatriation, awaiting available flights
To date, 430 OFWs and 28 dependents have been repatriated. Assistance, including financial aid, will be provided upon their return, following the President’s directive.
