A lawmaker reported on Sunday that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has sufficient funds for the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
In an interview for DZRH's ‘Isyung Pambayan,’ Kabayan Partylist Representative Ron Salo stated that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are ready to provide support if OWWA's budget falls short.
According to Salo, the three agencies will work together to ensure the safety of OFWs, especially those in countries experiencing conflict.
In the 2025 budget for the DMW, a proposed PHP 18 billion is allocated, with a substantial portion designated for OWWA to support repatriation programs.
“May sapat po tayo na pondo at matatandaan po natin na talagang ready lagi itong OWWA natin. Kung sakali man na kulangin, palagi naman na tripartite po ‘yan," Salo said.
"Nandyan din po ‘yung DMW po natin and DFA. Kasi ang DFA, mayroon din po silang pondo para sa pagrerepatriate ng mga kababayan po natin," he added.
Meanwhile, Salo admitted that identifying undocumented OFWs poses a significant challenge for OWWA and DMW.
Salo stated that the deployment ban in Lebanon is still in effect, and the OFWs currently there have been in Lebanon long before the ban was issued.
He said that undocumented OFWs are those who cross borders and take their chances working in Lebanon despite the risks.
