Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac announced that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in partnership with the Manila Economic Office (MECO), has activated measures to provide immediate assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan who were affected by Typhoon Gaemi (PHL name Carina).

“Together with the Chairman Silvestre Bello III and the MECO, we have established a Taiwan Help Desk to monitor the situation of OFWs in Taiwan, receive reports and requests for assistance, and coordinate relief efforts for affected Taiwan OFWs,” reported Secretary Cacdac.

“So far, there are no reported casualties or injuries from among Taiwan OFWs.  However, we continue to actively monitor the situation, especially in severely affected areas.”

Typhoon Gaemi made landfall in Taiwan at around midnight Wednesday, bringing heavy rains and winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour. 

Secretary Cacdac said that the DMW is monitoring the situation of 4,280 OFWs in Northern Taiwan, particularly in Yilan County (2,098 OFWs), Keelung City (821 OFWs), and Hualien (1,361 OFWs).  The DMW is also keeping close tabs of 1,818 Filipino agricultural farm workers in Nantou in Central Taiwan.

“Our three Taiwan Migrant Workers Offices in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are working closely with MECO in checking on the conditions of our OFWs.  We have 24-hour hotlines in the Philippines and in Taiwan but we are being proactive in our monitoring.  Our MWOs are coordinating with Filipino Community and dorm leaders, and are ready to provide immediate relief and assistance,” said Cacdac. 

Taiwan OFWs are advised to remain inside the safety of their residences or dormitories until further notice from Taiwan authorities. 

OFWs and their family members in Taiwan may call the following numbers to report on their conditions, request for assistance, or provide information on other OFWs who may need help:

For OFWs and family members in Taiwan:

Taipei: +886 932-218-057

Kaoshiung: +886 988-976-596

Taichung: +886-537-732

For family members of Taiwan OFWs in the Philippines:

(02) 8522-3663; 8293-9155; 8722-1144; 8722-1155

Mobile number: +63 919-067-3975

Whatsapp/Viber: +63 920-517-1059; +63 927-147-8186; +63 908-326-8344

E-mail: orcc@dmw.gov.ph