Mandaue City has announced its readiness to assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the city who may be displaced by the escalating conflict in the Middle East and are seeking repatriation.
During its regular session on Monday, March 2, the City Council approved a resolution authored by Councilor Carlo Fortuna directing the local government to prepare support services for returning Mandauehanon OFWs.
The proposed assistance includes transportation, with the city ready to deploy buses to ferry returning workers from the airport to their homes.
Employment support is also being considered, including skills training and livelihood programs, coordinated through the Public Employment Services Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and partner institutions such as the Mandaue City College Technological Entrepreneurial Skills Training Center.
Fortuna noted that the measure draws on lessons from the Gulf War in the early 1990s, when local governments assisted in the repatriation of Filipino workers.
“Preparedness should not rest solely on the national government. Local governments have a critical role in providing immediate and accessible support,” he said.
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano affirmed the city’s commitment, saying Mandaue is ready to receive returning OFWs and implement the proposed measures, including food packs and temporary shelter for those needing immediate support.
Ouano added that the city is open to discussions on providing financial aid to affected workers, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made for their families.
“Kung mahimo, atong hisgutan sa konseho kung naa ba tay mahatag nga pinansyal nga tabang. Dili gyud nato sila pasagdan,” he said.
The national government has also begun preparations for repatriation amid rising hostilities.
On Sunday, March 1, authorities confirmed the death of a Filipino caregiver in Israel.
The flare-up followed coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting Israel and several Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets. Civilian casualties have been reported as tensions continue. (VCL)
Photo from Jonkie Ouano / Facebook
