Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Sec. Susan Ople on Monday, Sept. 19, directed labor officials in Taiwan to account for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in need of aid, following the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that wobbled the region on Sunday.
Ople also directed the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), as well as other labor officials in Taiwan, to provide her with regular updates as the situation develops.
“I would like to assure our over 147,000 OFWs in Taiwan and their families that the DMW is ready to provide the needed assistance, particularly for those who have been affected by the earthquake,” said Ople in a statement.
Ople is in the United States (US) as part of the official delegation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
As of press time, no Filipino casualties have been reported in the latest update received by the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Monday afternoon.
Ople also noted that there is no damage to OFW worksites or dormitories has been reported, however, the region has been experiencing numerous tremors and aftershocks.
Ople called on the OFWs to follow instructions of the Taiwan Manpower Agencies and concerned government agencies and to stay as connected as possible with the Philippine government and Filipino community representatives there.
The DMW said OFWs who are in need of assistance may contact the following Hotlines:
TAIPEI
Mobile: +888 932 218 057
Facebook / Messenger: POLO Taipei
TAICHUNG
Mobile: +888 966 537 732
Facebook / Messenger: MECO-POLO Taichung
KAOHSIUNG
Mobile: +888 988 976 596
Facebook / Messenger: MECO-POLO OWWA Kaohsiung