US firms willing to see profiles of OFWs from Sudan, says Ople

WASHINGTON —Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople said there are American firms that are willing to see the profiles of Filipino skilled workers who fled Sudan.

Speaking to reporters, Ople said these companies include Princess Cruises, Holland American Line/Seaborne all under Carnival Corporation; MedPro International; and the Magsaysay People Resources/Magsaysay Maritime Corporation.

"They’re willing na tingnan ‘yung profiles nung mga galing Sudan kasi sabi ko these are skilled workers. Sabi ko, may international school na teachers may mga nurses, mayroon ding construction workers tsaka mga engineers," Ople told reporters.

"So sabi naman nila, they’re willing to look at the profiles. So hinahanda na ng DMW sa Manila," Ople added.

Ople said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is in touch with the DMW to check the situation of the affected overseas Filipino workers.

"The President was in touch with us, with the DMW and also with DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) asking for updates and yesterday before the meet and greet with the US-based employers, he once again asked about our workers coming home from Sudan," she said.

Meanwhile, Ople said that aside from the United States, Saudi Arabia "is very much interested also in looking at the profiles of the workers."

"There are employers in the US and also in the cruise ship industry and in Saudi Arabia that are very much interested and would like to see the profiles of our workers from Sudan," she said.

She further vowed that livelihood assistance would be given to these OFWs so that they could have a fresh start in life.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are no more Filipinos on Egypt's main border with Sudan, where they are fleeing from violence and clashes.—LDF, GMA Integrated News