DMW to assist OFWs affected by Japan quake

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will extend aid to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the magnitude-7.6 earthquake which struck Central Japan on New Year's Day.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac has instructed the Migrant Workers Office in Osaka (MWO-Osaka) to offer necessary support, such as immediate medical services and financial assistance onsite, to OFWs grappling with the aftermath of the disaster which has killed at least 77 people, severed roads, and crippled infrastructure.

"We are closely monitoring the situation of OFWs, especially those who are in the Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures to guarantee their safety. Also, we are ready to provide necessary medical and financial assistance to OFWs onsite," Cacdac said in a public briefing on Thursday.

According to DMW data, a total of 1,194 Filipinos reside in the Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures. Most of these OFWs are employed in the manufacturing, welding, and carpentry sectors.

There were no Filipino casualties in the earthquake, but 35 Filipinos in Japan were evacuated from their homes due to the threat of a possible tsunami.

Cacdac said the DMW has been receiving calls from several OFWs seeking assistance.

"Financial assistance is forthcoming for those who have been adversely affected by the earthquake. Halimbawa kung nasira o nagiba ang bahay o kaya ay nahinto ang trabaho o kaya kailangan ng suporta in terms of food and basic necessities, ito po ay ibibigay natin sa kanila," he added.

(The financial aid is for those whose houses were damaged or destroyed, those who stopped working, or those who need support in terms of food and basic necessities. We will give these to them.)

The DMW said supervising organizations and principals were directed to monitor the safety of their deployed OFWs and report their condition to MWO-Osaka.

OFWs in Japan who wish to reach out to DMW may contact the MWO-Osaka via email: mwo_osaka@dmw.gov.ph or mwoosaka.welfare@gmail.com.

They may also call the office’s hotline numbers: +81 7022756082 or +81 7024474016.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured that the Philippine government has been working closely with the Japanese government to ensure the welfare of Filipinos following the devastating earthquake on Jan. 1. —  Giselle Ombay, Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VDV, GMA Integrated News