A help desk has been established at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol to provide assistance to families of Negrense overseas Filipino workers (OFW) currently in Israel, Iran and neighboring countries amid the escalating conflict between the two nations.

This was announced by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday as tensions and hostilities continue to intensify in the Middle East.

The OFW help desk operates under the Migrant Resource Center, managed by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

According to Karen Dinsay, PESO Manager and head of the Negros Occidental Scholarship Program Division, the help desk, staffed by a migrant resource coordinator, is ready to assist families of OFWs seeking support or information regarding their loved ones potentially affected by the conflict.

The desk is currently open to aid those with relatives in Israel, Iran and Jordan.

Lacson also revealed that the provincial government, following the guidance of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), will provide financial assistance amounting to P5,000 to OFWs classified as “distressed” or “displaced.”

As of now, the Migrant Resource Center has not received any reports or requests for voluntary repatriation from Negrense OFWs on the DMW’s list.

The provincial government continues to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to respond to any emerging needs.

Lacson expressed hope that no Negrense would be harmed amid the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

He also expressed confidence that global leaders will work together to restore peace and stability in the troubled nations./JB, WDJ