Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continued to grow this year despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said remittances posted growth of around 2.2% to 2.3%, even as global economic growth slowed.
“Despite the global tendency na bumaba ‘yung ekonomiya ay sustained ang remittances. 2.2% to 2.3% ang growth. May growth pa rin sa remittances,” Cacdac said during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum.
He acknowledged that the growth rate had slowed but stressed that remittances remained on an upward trend, following a high base in the previous year.
Last year, personal remittances nearly reached P40 billion, he said.
Meanwhile, the government has repatriated at least 12,000 OFWs since tensions in the Middle East escalated in late February, according to Cacdac.
The hospitality and construction industries are among the sectors affected by the conflict.
The DMW has been providing financial assistance, training, and employment opportunities to returning workers to help them rebuild their livelihoods.
To support its operations, the department is proposing an P11.616-billion budget for 2027. Cacdac, however, said additional funding is needed to address the growing demands arising from the Middle East crisis.
He said the P2-billion Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) fund remains insufficient to meet the needs of overseas workers requiring immediate legal, financial, and humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
“Over P100 million ang reintegration na operational budget natin. And still we are seeking for a little bit more gawa nga nitong nangyayari ngayon sa Middle East,” Cacdac also said.
He added that the government needs more reintegration programs, including livelihood capital grants and training for returning OFWs.
Separately, the Department of Foreign Affairs earlier reported that three Filipinos injured in the October 10 attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were continuing to recover. Another Filipino who was injured was already in stable condition.
At least 84 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, according to the report.