The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has cautioned that the government may need additional funding to sustain large-scale repatriation efforts for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) if tensions in the Middle East worsen.
During a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing Friday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the agency’s current budget is adequate for now but could quickly run out if repatriation requests surge.
“Yes, we would need additional funding in a worst-case scenario,” Cacdac told senators.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros raised the possibility of Congress approving a supplemental budget not only for OFW assistance but also for sectors such as agriculture and transportation that may be affected by regional instability.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), which manages the Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF), received ₱1.286 billion under the 2026 General Appropriations Act plus ₱474 million in continuing funds, totaling about ₱1.76 billion. OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan reported that about 15% has already been used, leaving roughly ₱1.5 billion available.
Based on OWWA projections, the remaining funds could cover the repatriation of around 10,000 OFWs at ₱150,000 per worker. But with 2.4 million Filipinos in the Middle East, even a small percentage requesting return could strain resources.
- If 0.5% (≈12,000 workers) seek repatriation → funding gap of ₱338 million.
- If 1% (≈24,000 workers) seek repatriation → shortfall could reach ₱2.2 billion, with total costs estimated at ₱3.67 billion.
The DMW and OWWA said they are ready to submit detailed projections and cost breakdowns to Congress to support discussions on possible additional appropriations.