Based on the March 2–6, 2026 update from the OFWCC, the center responded to a total of 128 hotline queries from OFWs and their family members through its 24/7 hotline service, providing information, guidance, and referrals related to the situation abroad.
Meanwhile, 41 left-behind family members of OFWs were provided Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) to help them cope with stress and anxiety brought about by the crisis affecting their relatives working in the Middle East.
In addition to emotional support, the center also distributed food assistance to the 41 families.
The OFWCC also facilitated four requests for repatriation assistance, which were referred to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for appropriate action.
During the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday, Jackilou Bandao, Development Management Officer I of the OFWCC, said the assistance provided by the center is based on the specific needs and requests of affected families.
“Importante unsa ang pagpahiluna sa tabang sa ilang pamilya, with the available services sa City Government of Davao, sa CSWDO (It is important to properly arrange support for their family, together with the available services of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of the City Government of Davao),” she said.
Bandao added that the center has established services that enabled it to respond to concerns of OFWs and their families who are in distress.
Most of those who reached out to the center, primarily through email and Facebook, are concerned about how they can retrieve their passports from their employers.
To address this concern, the center has gathered the names of the affected OFWs and referred them to partner agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for validation and coordination with the employer in order to facilitate the release of their passports.
“The second concern is the fact that the family abroad is a breadwinner. Sa ingon ani nga concern ginahaum nato ang atong ginahatag—nagahatag tag assistance sa ilahang basic needs (The second concern is the fact that the family member abroad is the breadwinner. In concerns like this, we adjust the assistance we provide—we give support for their basic needs)," she said.
Bandao emphasized that during these challenging times, communication is vital for families left behind so they can monitor the situation of their relatives working abroad.
The OFWCC has set up hotlines for both distressed families and OFWs abroad. They may reach the center through the following channels: 24/7 hotline: 0972 996 6520; Telephone: 082 295 3500; Email Address: ofwcenter.davaocity@gmail.com
; Facebook Page: OFW Families' Welfare and Crisis Center Davao City.
“Ready mi muhatag og service sa OFW families, muuli man sila or dili, naay City Government nga ilang maduulan (We are ready to provide services to the families of OFWs. Whether they return home or not, there is a City Government they can turn to for assistance),” Bandao said.
The CSWDO, through the OFW Families’ Welfare and Crisis Center, continues to monitor the situation and provide necessary support services to OFWs and their families affected by the Middle East tensions. CIO