MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A mass evacuation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the Middle East could cost the Philippine government up to PHP3.67 billion if the ongoing conflict in the region escalates, officials stated during a Senate hearing on Friday (March 06, 2026).
As a per a report by PNA, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac informed lawmakers that while current funds are sufficient for the present number of repatriation requests, a worst-case scenario would require significant additional funding.
“We can live with the current budget with the current level of repatriation requests,” Cacdac said. “However… in a worst-case scenario, yes, we would need supplemental funding.”
The potential financial strain was detailed by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. She reported that the government’s Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF) currently holds approximately PHP1.5 billion after some use earlier this year.
According to simulations conducted by OWWA, the cost to repatriate a single OFW is estimated at around PHP150,000. This amount covers transportation, welfare assistance, and logistical support until the worker arrives at their home.
With an estimated 2.4 million Filipinos in the Middle East, even a small percentage seeking to return home would quickly deplete available resources.
“If just 1 percent request repatriation, that would be about 24,000 people,” Caunan explained.
Based on this projection, the total cost would reach PHP3.67 billion, creating a potential funding gap of about PHP2.2 billion that the current ERF cannot cover.
Government officials confirmed that they are exploring various options to secure the necessary funds. These include tapping into the national contingency fund and identifying potential savings from other government agencies. Discussions with the Department of Budget and Management are currently underway to address the looming financial challenge.