Davao City OFW Center Activates 24/7 Hotline for Families Worried About Loved Ones in the Middle East
The Davao City OFW Families' Welfare and Crisis Center has activated its 24/7 hotline and communication channels to assist families of Dabawenyo overseas workers who may be affected by the escalating Middle East conflict. The center assured left-behind families that it is ready to provide immediate support as tensions continue to rise in the region.
Families can reach the center via its 24/7 hotline at 0962-996-6520, landline (082) 295-3500, email at [email protected], or through its Facebook page. The center is monitoring the situation closely following the coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
President Marcos confirmed in a March 1 video statement that the safety of over 2 million Filipinos in the Middle East remains his top priority. He also confirmed the death of a Filipino caregiver in Israel — a tragic reminder that the conflict has already claimed Filipino lives. 'Ikinalulungkot ko na meron po tayong natanggap na report na meron na pong casualty na Pilipino,' Marcos said.
OFW deployment has continued to surge, surpassing 2.7 million in 2025 — a 15.43% increase from 2.37 million the previous year. The vast majority — over 2.15 million — are land-based workers, many of them stationed in the very countries now caught in the crossfire of the Iran conflict.
The Davao center's response is part of a broader nationwide effort to support OFW families during what is shaping up to be one of the most dangerous periods for Filipino workers abroad in recent memory.
Source: SunStar Davao
