Iloilo City Mobilizes Comprehensive Support for Repatriated OFWs Amid Regional Tensions
The Iloilo City Government, under the direct instruction of Mayor Raisa Treñas, is actively preparing an extensive assistance package for overseas Filipino workers who may require repatriation due to escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
Immediate Financial and Employment Support
Gabriel Felix Umadhay, head of the Public Employment Service Office in Iloilo City, confirmed that Mayor Treñas has mandated the office to utilize all available resources to support affected migrant workers. The city has already committed to providing financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, designed to address the immediate needs of returning OFWs.
"Beyond financial support, we have multiple programs ready to assist repatriated workers," Umadhay explained. "We can facilitate local employment opportunities through job matching and referrals, or they may participate in our livelihood training programs. Psychosocial support services are also available to help with the transition."
Current OFW Situation and Preparedness
According to official city records, 757 OFWs from Iloilo City are currently working in Middle Eastern nations, including Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Jerusalem. The city's monitoring system has confirmed the safety of 324 migrant workers, while verification continues for 385 individuals. Currently, 15 workers are being prepared for repatriation procedures.
Umadhay noted that many migrant workers have expressed concerns about financial stability, particularly regarding their ability to continue supporting family members in the Philippines. These concerns have prompted specific requests for financial assistance during the transition period.
Comprehensive Reintegration Programs
Upon arrival in Iloilo City, returning OFWs will undergo thorough documentation and profiling processes to determine appropriate assistance levels and monitor their reintegration progress. The city offers multiple specialized programs:
- TLC ni Inday Program: Provides seed capital to help returning OFWs establish small businesses or alternative income sources through the Tindahan, Livelihood, Carts initiative.
- Employment Facilitation Services: Through Peso-Iloilo City, workers can access job matching, career counseling, and priority participation in local job fairs.
- Uswag Negosyo Academy: Offers entrepreneurship development training, financial literacy seminars, and business advisory services to support business ventures.
- Retrain and Integrate Program: Provides referrals to technical and vocational training, competency assessments, and certification programs to facilitate career transitions.
Multi-Agency Coordination and Support Services
The City Government maintains active partnerships with national agencies including the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. These collaborations enable comprehensive reintegration program referrals and assistance accessing welfare and livelihood support systems.
Additionally, Iloilo City offers psychosocial support services featuring counseling sessions, stress debriefing, and emotional support for both repatriated OFWs and their family members. Peso-Iloilo City provides essential guidance on government programs, documentation assistance, and service referrals to ensure returning migrant workers can efficiently access available support networks.
Continuous Monitoring and Community Coordination
Umadhay emphasized that profiling and monitoring activities will continue indefinitely as the office maintains close coordination with concerned agencies and migrant worker families. "We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure appropriate assistance and intervention can be provided whenever necessary," he stated. The office will work closely with barangay officials to support successful community reintegration for all returning OFWs.
