The Iloilo Provincial Government will set up a 24/7 inter-agency help desk to assist Ilonggos who will be repatriated from the Middle East following the escalating US-Iran tensions.
It will be stationed at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby and will be equipped with telephone and Wi-Fi connections for efficient communication efforts.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Mamon said the help desk will serve as a one-stop shop to address the queries of families of returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“We will have personnel who will man the area and answer calls. So considering the time zone difference, we advise the relatives to go in the evening,” she said.
This is the immediate response of the province following the order of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to repatriate Filipinos currently working and residing in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and other conflict areas.
Upon the order of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Vice Governor Christine Garin and Atty. Mamon called for an emergency meeting on Wednesday with concerned government agencies to discuss possible assistance for distressed Ilonggo OFWs.
Those in attendance were Board Member Rolando Distura, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Labor and Employment; and representatives of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Meanwhile, the Capitol will also create Task Force Bulig Ilonggo to coordinate the assistance of the provincial government and partner agencies.
The province will likewise activate the Migration and Development Council to be spearheaded by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
The council is tasked to reintegrate the displaced OFWs to local employment.
As per OWWA-6 record, there are 30 Filipinos from Western Visayas who are currently working and residing in Iran and Iraq. Louine Hope Conserva/Capitol news
