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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Globe keeps Filipinos in Middle East connected

Globe keeps Filipinos in Middle East connected

Published Mar 9, 2026 10:24 am
Globe is stepping up to keep Filipinos connected across several Middle Eastern countries, as the Philippine government works to protect overseas workers caught in the region's growing instability.
The effort follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish an inter-agency task force focused on supporting Filipinos in the Middle East with reliable communication between OFWs and their families back home identified as a key priority.
Leading the coordination effort is the Department of Migrant Workers, headed by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, with multiple government agencies contributing to a broader response aimed at shielding Filipino communities abroad from the conflict's impact.
Maintaining communication lines
In support of the President’s directive, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chairman Ella Blanca B. Lopez called on telecommunications providers to immediately assist in maintaining communication lines between Filipinos overseas and their families in the Philippines.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), led by Secretary Henry Aguda, has also directed telecommunications companies to ensure that connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained.
“From the DICT, Sec. Henry Aguda issued a directive that all telcos will do everything to make sure connectivity with OFWs in the Middle East is maintained and instructed regional offices to provide free connections to anyone who would like to reach out to their family members and loved ones in affected areas,” Cacdac said in a statement.
Earlier, Globe began mobilizing support measures as early as March 1 amidst escalating tensions in the region and becoming the first telecommunications provider to activate initiatives to support the connectivity needs of overseas Filipinos in the Middle East.
Globe provided goodwill roaming packages for customers in affected countries including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
The complimentary package includes 15 minutes of incoming or outgoing roaming calls, 15 SMS, and 1GB of data, valid for seven days from the time it is credited to the customer’s account. The offer is automatically seeded to Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users detected in these areas.
For customers in Iran and Iraq, Globe provided Prepaid/TM load credits and Postpaid bill adjustments to support their communication needs.
Customers receiving the roaming bundle may use Globe’s partner networks in their respective locations, including Pelephone, Cellcom Israel, and Partner in Israel; zain BH and Batelco in Bahrain; Ooredoo and STC in Kuwait; Ooredoo (Nawras) and Oman Mobile in Oman; Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar in Qatar; Etisalat (e&) and DU Telecom in the United Arab Emirates; and STC and zain SA in Saudi Arabia.
Hotline hubs in PH
While families are primarily encouraged to use their personal mobile phones for initial contact with relatives abroad, Globe is also opening Globe Stores as hotline hubs to serve as a resource for families in the Philippines who may not have access to mobile phones or international calling services. These locations will allow individuals to place calls to relatives in the Middle East. The move aims to support families in underserved communities who may otherwise have limited means of contacting loved ones abroad during times of uncertainty. To check the list of Globe stores, please visit https://www.globe.com.ph/stores#gref.
Extending support when necessary
Meanwhile, the government is also preparing additional assistance for Filipinos who may be affected by the situation. Cacdac said the Department of Social Welfare and Development led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is ready to extend support to returning Filipinos if necessary.
He added that the DMW is also coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry under Secretary Cristina Roque on potential reintegration and livelihood programs for workers who may opt to return to the country should the situation in the Middle East escalate.
Globe said it will continue to coordinate closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure that Filipinos abroad remain connected and supported during this period.
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