Approximately 9,000 Overseas Filipino Workers from Middle East were assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) throughout the first 100 days of President Duterte. These OFWs were affected by the recent oil crisis.
Most of these OFWs were encouraged to go home to the Philippines especially those stranded individuals, said Secretary Judy Taguiwalo. Hygiene packs, regional referrals and food is awaiting for them.
Taguiwalo also added that she is very grateful upon the success of their mission to extend a helping hand to the affected OFWs. Filipino workers from Middle East Companies such as Saudi Bin Laden Group, Mohammad Al-Mojil (MMG), Saudi Oger and their sub-contracting companies were the once who received the much-awaited help from the government. Out of 9,476 affected OFWs, 44% (4,147) were from Jeddah, 38% (3,588) were coming from Riyadh and 18% (1,741) came from Dammam/Al Khobar.
Despite the huge number of recipients, Taguiwalo said that there are still a lot of OFWs awaiting for assistance.
Because of the fast action of the Duterte Administration, many OFWs from different parts of the world were impressed and were looking forward to the next years of President Duterte.
A kindergarten teacher in UAE said that the previous statement of President Duterte during election period, upon which he will be the one to serve the people and not the other way round, were felt by the Filipino people all over the world. Some OFWs were also impressed by the courage of President Duterte even though he is currently facing lots of problems.
