A total of 33,903 registered overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Central Visayas are currently in countries affected by the escalating Middle East conflict, prompting Cebu authorities to activate contingency measures for their protection.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Central Visayas (OWWA 7), together with the Department of Migrant Workers Central Visayas (DMW 7), has implemented regional protocols to safeguard OFWs and their families.
As of March 2, OWWA 7 reported zero casualties among Region 7 OFWs and continues to monitor conditions in real time through Migrant Workers Offices across the Middle East.
A joint OWWA 7 and DMW 7 team is stationed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, ready to assist returning or repatriated OFWs and those stranded by flight disruptions.
The team provides airport reception and profiling, emergency accommodation and food assistance, and transportation to home provinces.
Authorities also urged OFWs to verify flights with airlines to avoid being stranded.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has set varying alert levels across the region: Iraq, Syria, and Iran at Level 4 (Mandatory Repatriation); Lebanon at Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation); Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain at Level 2 (restricted travel); Jordan at Level 1 (precautionary); and Oman under normal status with heightened vigilance.
Provincial measures complement the OWWA protocols. Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2026, directing offices, cities, and municipalities to stabilize fuel prices, secure food supplies, and prepare emergency assistance for Cebuano OFWs.
The EO emphasizes uninterrupted delivery of essential services and requires departments to implement fuel-saving strategies while maintaining emergency operations.
The province will also establish a Provincial OFW Assistance and Repatriation Desk in coordination with OWWA.
Authorities will maintain a registry of affected OFWs, offer emergency financial aid, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, and livelihood or reintegration programs for returning workers.
Coordination with TESDA and local employers for employment facilitation will also be ensured.
The Provincial Agriculturist has been tasked to craft a short-term food sufficiency plan prioritizing rice, corn, fishery products, and vegetables.
Agriculture offices in cities and municipalities must maintain buffer stocks and promote community and urban gardening, while the Department of Trade and Industry will assist with price monitoring of fuel and basic commodities.
At the city level, Cebu City officials requested updated security assessments and an official tally of residents in affected countries.
Mayor Nestor Archival said the city is ready to activate an assistance desk, coordinate with barangays to identify affected families, provide temporary aid, and collaborate with national agencies for reintegration.
The conflict has reportedly struck military facilities and missile launchers in Tehran and other cities, triggering retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Rising global oil prices have heightened concerns over fuel costs and economic ripple effects.
Authorities confirmed that, as of Monday, no Cebuano OFWs have been harmed.
Photo from AFP
