DMW to provide financial, other aid to families of teachers missing in Myanmar quake

As part of the unified effort to support Filipinos impacted by the recent earthquake in Myanmar, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is actively working to find those who remain unaccounted for, focusing particularly on four Filipino teachers who were thought to be inside a building during the disaster, and to provide their families support as well.

"We have guaranteed the families our utmost support and assistance," DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac told GMA Integrated News. "The President has instructed us to take action, and he has also provided reassurance that we will effectively coordinate with our embassy on-site through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as well as with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which is leading our 92-member team that the President has dispatched to Myanmar as of last night."

The team, sent to assist in search and rescue efforts, includes experts ready to offer various types of support, such as medical care. "We aim to help not only in locating the missing four but also for any other Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who may require any form of aid, medical or otherwise, while in Myanmar," Cacdac added.

The DMW has been in touch with the families of the missing teachers and has committed to providing financial aid as well. "What has been particularly moving—heartwarming in conversations with the families—is that they come from very humble backgrounds. The teachers need all the support and guidance they can get as they navigate these distressing times. Part of our assistance includes providing them with financial help at this stage," the secretary said.

The Philippine embassy in Yangon is also addressing repatriation requests from other Filipino citizens, Cacdac added. "I'm confident our embassy in Yangon is diligently working on this matter. We at the DMW are prepared to offer the necessary support."

Although the DMW does not maintain Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) in Myanmar, communication is being facilitated through the Philippine labor attaché based in Bangkok. Cacdac said they are closely monitoring the situation to provide prompt assistance to any Filipino in need. — BM, GMA Integrated News