MANILA: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has spent nearly Php 1.7 billion in 2026 on emergency repatriation and related assistance for overseas Filipino workers affected by crises abroad.
Much of the pressure on government resources came from the Middle East, where conflict and geopolitical tensions have forced thousands of Filipinos to seek help or return home.
OWWA is now asking for stronger funding in 2027 so it can respond quickly if another large emergency affects OFWs overseas.
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Emergency Help Goes Beyond Plane Tickets
OWWA’s Emergency Repatriation Program is designed to bring distressed OFWs home during situations such as war, political unrest, civil conflict, disasters, and other major emergencies.
The support can include airfare, airport assistance, temporary accommodation, medical referrals, domestic transportation, and psychosocial counselling after an OFW returns to the Philippines.
Emergency repatriation is also supported by Philippine law, which gives OWWA a role in bringing workers home during war, epidemics, disasters, calamities, and similar events.
Middle East Crisis Increased the Need for Assistance
The pressure became more visible after tensions in the Middle East worsened in March 2026.
By July, the government said more than 12,000 OFWs had been repatriated, while emergency assistance had reached more than 140,000 Filipinos affected by the Middle East situation.
OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have also been providing assistance from the workers’ overseas locations through their arrival and reintegration in the Philippines.
In June, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved an additional Php 3 billion for DMW repatriation and reintegration programs for displaced OFWs, especially those in conflict areas.
Why OWWA Wants a Bigger 2027 Fund
During budget discussions, officials explained that OWWA’s 2027 budget proposal was prepared before the Middle East crisis became worse.
The proposed Emergency Repatriation Fund for 2027 is about Php 978 million, according to the House of Representatives.
OWWA had received around Php 1.2 billion annually for emergency repatriation in recent years and has asked lawmakers for additional funding to strengthen the 2027 allocation.
Malacañang has also said additional resources are being provided, including Php 1 billion for OWWA, with Php 700 million intended for emergency repatriation.
