The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that it is ready to provide various forms of assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by ongoing tensions and airstrikes in the Gulf region.

DSWD said immediate support will include cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which can help cover urgent needs such as food, shelter, and medical expenses. Should the conflict persist or worsen, the agency is also preparing livelihood support through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to provide affected OFWs with income-generating opportunities.

In addition, the DSWD will offer psychosocial interventions to returning OFWs to address stress, trauma, and mental health concerns resulting from the crisis. This includes counseling and guidance to help them reintegrate safely into their communities.

The measures follow directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen coordination among DSWD, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) amid the potential repatriation of Filipinos from affected areas in the Middle East.

DSWD emphasized that the agency is closely monitoring the situation and will adjust interventions as needed to ensure the welfare and safety of Filipinos abroad during the escalating conflict.