The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that it is preparing employment and training assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be displaced or repatriated due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
In a statement, DOLE said it is working closely with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to monitor the situation and identify affected OFWs. Data is being gathered on disrupted deployments and returning workers to guide reintegration programs.
“Through our nationwide Public Employment Service Offices (PESOS), we will ensure that all affected OFWs are immediately profiled, skills-assessed, and registered in the PESO Employment Information System for targeted job matching based on their age, education and occupational background,” the DOLE said.
The agency added that returning workers will receive employment counseling and be referred to job opportunities, including those offered through job fairs and employer linkages.
Emergency employment and livelihood assistance will also be available, with support for starting small businesses or microenterprises.
For those seeking to shift industries, reskilling programs will be offered through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which provides training, skills assessment, and certification.
Professionals may also access services from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), which conducts caravans to assist with licensing, credential verification, and professional practice.
DOLE emphasized that these programs will be tailored to the needs and preferences of returning workers to ensure adequate support while overseas employment conditions remain uncertain.