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Limitations in the availability of airspace and airports - that is the primary challenge for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to carry out repatriation for the Filipinos stuck in the Middle East tensions.
With this, the agency studies and evaluates all available options to ensure the safe repatriation of Filipinos who wish to return to the Philippines.
One of the potential solutions being considered is land travel. Individuals will be transported to a safe and secure location where they can be picked up to get back to the Philippines.
“We are looking in possible alternative ways. Ngayon, kung sarado ang air option, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. Di ko na sasabihin yung detalye for the safety of our people,” DMW Sec. Cacdac said
[“We are looking in possible alternative ways. At present, if the air option is unavailable, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. I’m not going to say a detail for the safety of our people,”]
Secretary Cacdac also emphasized waiting for the risk to go down to ensure their safety.
“We want those risks down to zero as much as possible before we undertake repatriation,” he added
With reports from Ryan Lacanlale
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has issued a warning against fake news, claiming that the agency and the DMW distribute ₱150,000 in financial assistance for OFWs seeking repatriation.
The OWWA clarifies that they are not distributing that amount.
Hence, authorities expressed disappointment at circulating fake claims using different strategies, including AI-generated videos, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs in the Middle East.
OWWA also dropped down their official programs and services for the OFWs, such as:
Authorities call on the public to refrain from relying on information from unverified sources and advise them to always visit the official social media pages of DMW and OWWA for credible and verified information.
A total of 299 Filipinos safely returned to the Philippines on March 6, 2026, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This repatriation is a result of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the group consists of 145 females, 127 males, 17 children, and 10 infants. The repatriates arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Emirates Airlines Flight 336.
UNTV News and Rescue correspondent Ryan Lacanlale reported that the majority of the passengers were travelers whose flights were cancelled. The airlines have to fulfill their commitment and responsibility to the passengers in helping them to get back to the Philippines.
Among 299 passengers, 23 of them are OFWs together with 2 children. Most of them were able to return due to existing pre-booked flights.
In a social media post, DMW Sec. Cacdac extended his gratitude to the government of the UAE and other host countries for their cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the Filipinos.
“We thank the UAE government, the local government of Dubai sa pag-aalaga sa ating mga Kababayan. Also, to the government of host countries [Middle East] involved in this crisis for their safety protocols and defense system in place,” he said via DMW online issued statement
The DMW assured returnees would receive necessary assistance from the department and other concerned agencies, including:
No final schedule has been announced regarding the next batch of repatriation.
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Increasing price of oil and natural gas in the global market - that’s one of the domestic repercussions faced by the Philippines due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In response, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed concern over the potential impact on the agricultural sector, including the fertilizer costs, fuel for machinery, and transportation of agricultural products from the province to markets.
The agency sees the fuel subsidy distribution as an immediate response to concern if the war between the US and Iran persists.
“Ito yung immediate na pwede natin na ipamahagi sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na pwedeng maapektuhan kung sakaling magpatuloy itong problema natin,” DA Asec. Arnel De Mesa said
The DA has currently allocated a ₱100 million fuel subsidy for the farmers and fisherfolk.
“Sa ngayon, meron tayong ₱100 million na allocation,” he added
Under this initiative, farmers will receive ₱5,000 in a one-time subsidy, while ₱3,000 will be given to the fisherfolk.
To receive a fuel subsidy, farmers and fisherfolk must consider the following requirements recommended by DA:
Farmers
Fisherfolk
DA Asec. De Mesa assured that the next batch of subsidy distribution will be made if the ₱ 100 million runs out.
“So pag naubos itong 100 million, 50 million para sa farmers, 50 million para sa fishers, meron pang 50 million. Tag-25 million uli yung mga farmers and fishers natin,” he said
In the initial distribution target, the DA aims to reach 9,700 farmers and 15,800 fisherfolk.
With reports from Mia Alonzo
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Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has announced the agency's aim to complete the flood mitigation project in the Marikina River by mid 2027.
“By 2027, mid 2027, itong buong project natin ng flood mitigation for Pasig-Marikina, matatapos na,” he said
[“By 2027, mid 2027, our whole project in flood mitigation for Pasig-Marikina would be completed”]
The Department Secretary admitted that the fund for this project is currently insufficient, but he assured that the agency is working on alternative solutions to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.
The actions initiated by the agency include dredging, cleaning and widening of creeks, canals, and other waterways.
Sec. Dizon also mentioned to fast-track the working system before the rainy season begins.
“Tapusin natin as much as we can, and kaya nga lahat ng ginagawa natin ngayon, nagde-dredge tayo, inaayos natin yung mga gaps sa mga dike, inaayos natin ang mga drainage para mas mabilis yung daloy ng tubig papunta sa mga ilog. Lahat ‘yan kailangan sabay-sabay nating gawin at gawin nating nang mabilis,” he said
[“Let us finish as much as we can, and that’s why what we are doing now, dredging, we fix the gaps in the dike, we fix the drainage for easier flow of water going to rivers. All of that must be done simultaneously and be done quickly.”]
With reports from Asher Capapan Jr.
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