Davao City OFW Center Mobilizes Support for Families Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
The Davao City OFW Families' Welfare and Crisis Center has activated its assistance programs for families seeking information about relatives working overseas, particularly in regions experiencing escalating geopolitical conflicts. Officials report that dozens of residents have already contacted the center to inquire about the safety and status of their lovedones abroad.
Growing Concerns Prompt Increased Outreach
During the iSpeak press conference on Thursday, March 5, Jackilou Bandao revealed that at least 45 individuals have personally visited the office to seek assistance, with additional inquiries coming from relatives representing overseas Filipino workers. Most families expressed specific concerns about relatives deployed in conflict-prone areas, including various parts of the Middle East.
The Davao City government has established comprehensive services to assist distressed OFWs, Bandao emphasized. The City Social Welfare and Development Office, which oversees the center, is preparing to provide multiple forms of support, particularly for families left behind in the city while their relatives work abroad.
Tailored Assistance Programs
Bandao explained that the assistance provided varies according to the specific needs of both the OFWs and their families. The type of assistance depends entirely on the specific needs requested by the families and OFWs themselves, she stated. Among the immediate support services being offered are:
- Basic needs assistance for essential requirements
- Other essential services tailored to individual circumstances
- Financial assistance programs for qualifying families
- Food aid distribution during crisis situations
- Livelihood support to maintain family stability
Authorities confirmed that the city government's social support programs may include these various forms of assistance depending on the specific situation of affected families. For cases involving workers who may need to return home, the office also facilitates repatriation-related assistance through coordination with national government agencies.
Monitoring International Developments
The center is closely monitoring the situation overseas following rising tensions in the Middle East after coordinated missile and air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. In a statement issued on March 2, the center assured that it remains prepared to assist families of Dabawenyo workers who may be affected by these international developments.
The Center is ready to assist the left-behind families of Dabawenyo OFWs during this challenging time, the center declared in its official statement. Officials encouraged families who are worried about relatives abroad to contact the center through multiple channels, including its 24-hour hotline at 0962-996-6520, its landline (082) 295-3500, email at ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com, or through its official Facebook page.
Authorities emphasized that the city continues to strengthen its support mechanisms to ensure that overseas workers and their families receive timely assistance, particularly during emergencies and international crises. The comprehensive approach includes both immediate crisis response and longer-term support systems designed to address the evolving needs of OFW families in Davao City.
