Latest news with #OFW
GMA Network
11 hours ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Delay OFW deployment to Middle East amid tensions, DMW tells recruitment firms
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday urged private recruitment agencies (PRAs) to delay the deployment of Filipino workers to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East to ensure their safety. In its advisory, DMW reiterated the OFW deployment restrictions in Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon. 'Right now, we're on Alert Level 2 in Israel, which means new hires are prohibited, but pwede ang returning,' DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said. 'However, due to the airspace restrictions, it is impossible for them to go, including those bound for Jordan, because they will just be turned back in case of the closure of the airspace,' he added. The advisory mandates PRAs to: • Maintain active communication with employers and foreign partners to verify the location and safety of deployed workers; • Conduct regular welfare checks and submit updated reports through the OFW Welfare Monitoring System; • Develop contingency plans covering evacuation and emergency repatriation; • Shoulder costs of rerouting or rebooking flights for OFWs affected by airspace closures; and • Refrain from processing deployments to Jordan and Israel until clearance is issued. 'When we speak in a regulatory sense, they have to comply. Any agency that continues deployment despite the directive will face penalties,' Cacdac said. 'And yes, 'yong cost of travel hahabulin namin sila doon kung kami ang gumastos sa pagpapauwi (we will charge them the cost of travel because we're the ones paying for it),' he added DMW said that as of June 19, it has assisted 58 stranded OFWs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for repatriation. Of the stranded OFWs, 43 were bound for Israel and 15 for Jordan. DMW also said it met with PRAs in Jordan to explain the current situation and limitations of OFW deployment. 'Handa silang mag-aantay at tumulong sa lahat nang na-stranded nating mga OFWs (they are willing to wait and help the stranded OFWs),' said DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia, relaying the response of Jordanian employers. In a Reuters report, Iran and Israel targeted each other with missiles and airstrikes early on Saturday after Israel launched its biggest-ever air offensive against its longtime foe in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Earlier today, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the 21 stranded Philippine government officials safely crossed into Jordan from Israel. DFA also said the Philippine government is considering raising the alert levels on Israel and Iran as attacks between the two countries continue.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Health
- Filipino Times
Sun Life unveils first health insurance plan tailored for OFWs
Overseas Filipinos have long been celebrated as the country's modern-day heroes, braving distance and sacrifice to build a better life for their families back home. Yet while they work tirelessly to secure their loved ones' future, many remain vulnerable when it comes to protecting their own health, especially while living abroad. When the one who cares for everyone else falls ill, the question remains: who will care for them? Thankfully, Sun Life has introduced OFW Health Protect, the first health insurance plan created specifically for overseas Filipinos. This innovative plan is set to benefit millions of OFWs, offering reliable protection and peace of mind wherever they are. Unlike typical insurance products, Sun Life OFW Health Protect understands the unique situation of Filipino migrant workers. It grants them access to teleconsultation with Filipino doctors, anytime, day or night, wherever they are. This means no more guessing or self-medicating out of fear of hospital bills or language barriers. Equally important, the plan provides a cash benefit upon diagnosis of a critical illness, offering much-needed financial support during life's most challenging moments. To ease the burden even more, Sun Life ensures that payment terms can be customized and aligned with an OFW's deployment contract, so they can complete payments within their work tenure abroad, without worry about unfinished obligations. For Filipinos working in the UAE, many of whom juggle multiple jobs and responsibilities, this new offering could mean the difference between facing illness alone and having a trusted partner to lean on. Sun Life's OFW Health Protect is a testament to what it means to be a true partner to the Filipino community—providing protection, understanding, and care that go beyond borders. Because every modern hero deserves to feel safe, even when far from home.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 18 Filipinos stranded at DXB repatriated home amid Israel-Iran conflict
The Philippine government has successfully repatriated 18 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were stranded at Dubai International Airport. They arrived on June 13 and were supposed to be on their way to work in Israel and Jordan but were stranded in Dubai due to the temporary shutdown of major airports amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Philippine labour attache John Rio Aceveda Bautista told Khaleej Times on Tuesday the OFWs arrived on Friday and were repatriated on June 15. Fifteen of the repatriated OFWs were returning workers to Israel, while three were newly hired workers bound to Jordan. After arriving in Manila on Monday, they were temporarily housed at a hotel, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). DMW secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said each OFW received Ph50,000 (Dh3,335) in financial assistance. 'This is not simply aid but a safety net as they have temporarily lost their source of income,' said Cacdac, adding the OFWs will also receive transportation allowance back to their respective home provinces. Meanwhile, Eduardo de Vega, undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the security threat in Israel is classified by the Philippine government as under alert level 2, meaning there are heightened risks to safety and security. 'Mandatory repatriation is based on alert levels,' Cacdac noted. 'We are still coordinating with the DFA and DND (Department of National Defence) on this. But rest assured, we are ready if the situation worsens.' Cacdac said there are about 30,000 OFWs – mostly employed in caregiving, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing – in Israel. 'It it is difficult to determine how many are in immediate danger without causing unnecessary alarm,' he added. There are approximately more than 1,000 Filipinos in Iran. DFA said there are contingency plans for a possible evacuation route through Turkmenistan. Philippine officials reminded OFWs to monitor official channels for updates and to follow local advisories. After Israel launched strikes on Iran in Friday, several countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel have closed their airspaces for commercial flights. UAE-based airlines immediately announced that customers connecting through UAE with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon would not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Pinoy in 'critical' condition after Iran airstrike on Israel
An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is in 'critical" condition after Iran launched missile attacks in Israel. In a Monday interview on 'Balitanghali,' Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the OFW is one of the four Filipinos injured due to the airstrikes. A separate 'Balitanghali' report said that the Filipina was hit in the heart and lungs. Two of the four Filipinos, an OFW and a Filipino with dual citizenship, were already discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile, another OFW is still recovering in the hospital. 'Wala pa kaming kwento in terms kung ano ba talaga yung nangyari except mukhang hindi nakaabot sa shelter itong dalawang napinsala. Ganun muna yung alam namin,' Cacdac said. (We have yet to know what happened, but it seems that the two OFWs did not make it to the shelter. That's what we know so far.) He added that the Philippine government is sheltering 14 Filipinos in Rehovot. 'Sa ngayon, walang matirhan itong at least eight na kababayan natin at (right now, at least eight Filipinos have no homes, so) we have given them temporary accommodation,' Cacdac said. The office of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is currently closed in accordance with the guidelines of the Israel Defense Forces. Filipinos may still call the following emergency contact numbers in Israel: Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv +972 54-4661188 Migrant Workers' Office +972 50-7622590 Overseas Welfare Office +972 50-7156937 Meanwhile, there have been no reports of Filipinos affected by the missile strikes in Iran. 'Wala pa tayong napabalitaan na OFW, doon sa 30, na adversely affected doon sa Iran,' Cacdac said. (We have not heard of any OFWs, out of the 30, who have been adversely affected in Iran.) 'Nevertheless, we are prepared kung sila'y kailangan ilikas o repatriate (if we need to repatriate them),' he added. The Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran also warned Filipinos to avoid going outside due to the airstrike launched by Israel. According to Israeli officials, at least 30 have died while over 300 are injured due to the airstrike launched by Iran that started on Friday. Meanwhile, the Iranian Health Ministry said more than 200 were killed due to Israel's attacks, of which 90% are civilians. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
61 OFWs complete skills training for reintegration and empowerment
A total of 61 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) successfully completed their respective skills training programs during two separate seminars at the Philippine Embassy and the Majestic Hotel in Bahrain. The skills training in Baking and Haircutting, Manicure, and Pedicure were among the continuous initiatives in extending Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with better knowledge and skills that would be applicable to career improvement, financial self-sufficiency, and integration upon returning Philippines in the future. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Officer Juvilyn Anns Gumabay and Migrant Workers Office Officer in Charge (OIC) Celia V. Cabadonga commended the graduates on their endeavor to become better persons and encouraged other OFWs to grab similar chances in the future. In the morning session, 32 OFWs graduated from a baking skills training, while in the afternoon, 29 others completed training in hair cutting, manicure, and pedicure. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their capabilities while working abroad, highlighting the importance of such programs in broadening employment options and building long-term security for themselves and their families. Ofelia Madriaga, 61, from Pamplona, Cagayan Valley, and a member of the PIN, was among the proud attendees of the recent training. A long-time household worker in Bahrain, Ofelia shared that this was not her first time joining such a program. She had previously completed a dressmaking training course, driven by her passion to improve herself. 'This is what I achieved as a housemaid,' she said with pride. 'Even though I'm a housemaid, I dreamed of developing my skills. I'm grateful to my madam, Nevien Sukhralla, who allowed me to attend, and to our embassy for this opportunity.' Having worked for the same employer for 17 years, Ofelia is now thinking ahead. 'I'm planning to put up my own small business in the future when my career as a housemaid comes to an end,' she shared, her voice filled with hope and determination. Her story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to dream, learn, and prepare for a better future. Naida Duque, 67, with over 30 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry, was among the volunteer trainers who generously shared their expertise during the recent skills training sessions for OFWs. A seasoned beautician, Naida worked at the prestigious Regency Hair Salon in the Regency Intercontinental Hotel from 2009 to 2014. Afterward, she ventured into business with her daughter before returning to salon work until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations. When asked why she chose to volunteer, Naida shared a heartfelt reason: 'I want to give back. As an OFW myself, I understand the struggles. Sharing my skills is my way of helping others build confidence and a better future.' Her contribution, along with that of fellow trainers Alma Maria Laqui, Aida Garay, and Rosalina Ortiz, reflects the true spirit of bayanihan—Filipinos lifting one another up, one skill at a time. Meanwhile, in the Baking skills training, its instructor, Ivy Diana Bello Ancheta, is a passionate baker and entrepreneur behind IV Bakes, has been teaching baking for four years, since beginning her journey in 2021. She brings a learner-centered approach to her classes, ensuring that beginners and more experienced students alike gain confidence and understanding. 'I start with baking basics to build a strong foundation,' she explained. 'We focus on understanding ingredients, tools, and techniques. I guide students through common mistakes and how to correct them.' What characterizes her teaching is the support and interactive nature of it. Each lesson is a combination of practice and demonstration, where students implement what they've learned because they get feedback in real-time. 'I make it engaging by answering questions, correcting the method, and providing tips above the recipes,' she said. 'I want migrant workers to leave here empowered—not just in baking, but in building a life for themselves.' Her own business, IV Bakes, began life as a small home-based passion business. Bananalike cake, pandesal, cookies, and customized party cakes are just some of the offerings, and these are done with a personal touch, 'as if for family.' In addition to selling baked goods, she also hosts fun, hands-on baking and decorating workshops, offering families and friends a chance to bond and create memories while learning valuable skills. The baking program not only served as a skills enhancement training but also inspired OFWs to see baking as a potential business opportunity, one they can carry with them, whether staying abroad or returning home. The Baking Class and Skills Training in Hair, Manicure, and Pedicure were facilitated through the joint efforts of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), the Philippine Embassy, and the Filipino community organization Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN). These two-Friday sessions training initiatives were tailored to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), providing them with essential skills that will aid in their reintegration into Philippine society when they return home.
