LGU vows aid for Novo Vizcayano OFWs amid Middle East conflict

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The Nueva Vizcaya local government unit (LGU) is on heightened alert as conflict erupts in the Middle East, vowing swift assistance to Novo Vizcayano overseas workers who may be caught in the crossfire.

Provincial officials said the OFW (overseas Filipino worker) Welfare Center in Nueva Vizcaya is now in close coordination with the regional offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers in Cagayan Valley to closely track developments and verify reports involving Vizcayano workers deployed in the Middle East.

The situation escalated after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on key military sites in Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks on areas hosting US military bases. The exchange has heightened fears for thousands of migrant workers across affected Middle Eastern countries.

Governor Jose V. Gambito assured Novo Vizcayanos abroad that the province stands ready to act. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to provide whatever assistance is necessary to ensure the safety of our OFWs,” he said, urging calm but vigilance.

He has directed the Public Employment Service Division, led by Dolly Rose C. Minas, to maintain round-the-clock coordination with agencies including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

Mr. Gambito also called on OFWs to stay in touch with Philippine embassies and provincial authorities, and to relay updates through official communication channels as tensions continue to unfold. — Artemio A. Dumlao