DMW Caraga activates quick response team, opens OFW help desk amid Mideast conflict
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “No Overseas Filipino Worker from Caraga will face uncertainty alone. Our office is prepared to respond and support them and their families.”
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on March 5 in Butuan City, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Director Ritchel M. Butao said that the department is ready.
She said that DMW Caraga has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) and opened an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Help Desk to assist migrant workers and their families amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The help desk began operations on March 1, 2026 at the DMW Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City, serving as a central point where families of OFWs can seek information, raise concerns, and request assistance regarding developments affecting their loved ones abroad. The agency also established a 24/7 hotline to ensure continuous support and immediate response to inquiries.
“Our personnel are ready to address the concerns of OFWs and their families. Through the Quick Response Team and the OFW Help Desk, we ensure that assistance, information, and guidance are readily available, especially during times of uncertainty,” Butao said.
Records from DMW Caraga show that 1,074 documented OFWs from the region processed their employment documents locally, excluding those who completed processing in other regions. As of March 5, the OFW Help Desk has already assisted 10 clients seeking information and support.
To further improve services, DMW Caraga is also coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to install free Wi-Fi at the office to accommodate clients.
Meanwhile, the agency continues to strengthen the readiness of its frontline personnel. From March 4 to 5, the DMW Caraga conducted Phase 2 Capability Enhancement Training for the QRT, focusing on Psychological First Aid (PFA) to equip responders with skills in immediate emotional and psychosocial support to OFWs and their families during crises.
“These preparations ensure that our personnel are equipped to provide appropriate emotional, physical, and mental support to OFWs and their families should the situation escalate,” Butao added.
The initiative reinforces the agency’s commitment under the leadership of Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac to deliver timely, responsive, and compassionate assistance to overseas Filipino workers and their families. Families of OFWs may contact the DMW Caraga OFW Help Desk hotline at 0945-882-0646 for inquiries and support. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)