Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to initiate preparations for the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iran, Israel, and other countries in the Middle east amid escalating conflict in the region.
“The AKSYON Fund under the DMW is used for the repatriation of OFWs and other forms of emergency assistance for those in distress,” said Gatchalian, Senate Finance Committee chair. The Finance Committee increased the AKSYON Fund by P800 million from P1.2 billion to P2 billion.
“Our priority is the safety of our OFWs. The government must be ready to repatriate those affected,” Gatchalian said, after the United States and Israel launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran, prompting missile attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, hosts to U.S. military bases.
The DMW reported that there are approximately 2.443 million Filipinos in the Middle East.
The senator also urged the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to immediately prepare for the efficient and timely implementation of the Pantawid-Pasada program amid expectations of further oil price hikes.
A total of P2.497 billion is available for disbursement under the Pantawid Pasada program.
