DMW assures aid for quake-affected Pinoys in Taiwan

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said it is ready to extend help to Filipinos living and working in Taiwan following the twin quakes that hit the country over the weekend.

“I would like to assure our over 147,000 OFWs in Taiwan and their families that the DMW is ready to provide the needed assistance, particularly for those who have been affected by the earthquake,” Secretary Susan Ople said in a press statement.

Ople, who is currently in the United States as part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s delegation for his six-day state visit, likewise directed the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and other labor officials to provide her regular updates on the situation as it further develops.

According to a report of Agence-France Presse, one casualty was reported while 146 individuals were injured due to the magnitude 6.8 quake that struck the southeast portion of Taiwan on Sunday.

This followed Saturday evening’s 6.6-magnitude earthquake that hit the same area but had caused minimal damage in what is a mountainous and sparsely populated rural region.

No Filipinos perished from the tragedy, the DMW said. There were also no reports of damage to their worksites or dormitories.

Ople advised OFWs to follow the instructions of the Taiwan Manpower Agencies and other government agencies and to remain connected with the Philippine government and Filipino community representatives.

Filipinos needing assistance may reach out to the following POLOs in Taiwan:
TAIPEI
Mobile: +886 932 218 057
Facebook / Messenger: POLO Taipei

TAICHUNG
Mobile: +886 966 537 732
Facebook / Messenger: Meco Polo Taichung

KAOHSIUNG
Mobile: +886 988 976 596
Facebook / Messenger: Meco Polo Owwa Kaohsiung

— DVM, GMA News