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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD ready to assist OFWs amid Middle East airstrikes

DSWD ready to assist OFWs amid Middle East airstrikes

Published Mar 2, 2026 04:57 pm
Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP)
Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday, March 2, assured the public that it is prepared to extend assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in the Middle East amid rising tensions following recent airstrikes.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency has resources ready to support affected OFWs, particularly if repatriation becomes necessary due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Dumlao said the department is closely coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to obtain updates on Filipino workers who may be affected by the escalating situation.
She added that the DSWD has several programs and services available for OFWs and their families should they return to the country.
“Mayroon po tayong iba’t ibang mga interventions na maaaring maibigay sa kanila pagdating nila rito sa bansa. Nandyan ang ating Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) na isang social safety net program para sa mga distressed and in crisis nating mga kababayan. Handa rin ang aming mga social workers na magbigay ng psychosocial interventions para kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang stress o trauma mula sa pangyayari,” Dumlao said.
(We have various interventions that can be provided to them upon their arrival in the country. These include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation or AICS, which serves as a social safety net program for our distressed and crisis-affected fellow Filipinos. Our social workers are also ready to provide psychosocial interventions to help ease stress or trauma caused by the incident).
“Aside from AICS, maaari rin kaming magbigay ng livelihood assistance sakaling mag-avail ng repatriation ang mga OFWs na apektado ng tensyon sa Middle East. Patuloy din ang ating koordinasyon at partnership sa DMW at iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno para masiguro na komprehensibo ang tulong natin para sa mga OFWs,” she added.
(Aside from AICS, we may also provide livelihood assistance should affected OFWs avail of repatriation. Our coordination and partnership with the DMW and other government agencies will continue to ensure that assistance for OFWs remains comprehensive).
Dumlao said the DSWD will continue coordinating with the DMW and other government agencies to ensure a whole-of-nation approach in assisting OFWs.

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