Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were assured of sustained assistance and support following the visit of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac last week.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the protection and welfare of OFWs, the visit aimed to strengthen government’s continuing efforts to provide all the necessary assistance and support to OFWs in need, especially in times of crisis or uncertainties.

“Isa sa mga kagustuhan ng ating Pangulo ang makadaumpalad ang bawat OFW at maseguro ang kanilang kalagayan. Narito kami para personal na maseguro ang inyong mabuting kalagayan at maiparamdam sa inyo na nandito ang DMW, ang pamahalaan na handang tumulong at Su muppets sa inyo,” Secretary Cacdac said.

During his visit, the Secretary engaged the Filipino community through town hall meetings in Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Jeddah to listen and attend to the concerns of OFWs and update them on the Department’s programs and services.

The Secretary also visited the Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh to personally check the condition and well-being of hospitalized and distressed OFWs, who were assured of all the necessary assistance and immediate repatriation back home.

He also emphasized the need to provide comprehensive support to distressed Filipino workers, including mothers and their children, ensuring access to basic needs, psychosocial services, and learning centers to support the children’s development and education while in temporary care and shelter.

To further reinforce PH government’s coordinated efforts in protecting OFWs, Secretary Cacdac also met with Ambassador Raymond Balatbat in Riyadh and Consul General Rommel A. Romato in Jeddah for strengthened synergy between the Embassy and Migrant Workers Offices in the Middle East.

The Secretary was accompanied by DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul, Jr. and Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, along with Labor Attachès Dominador Salanga, Fidel Macauyag and Soliman Mutia.