BUTUAN CITY(March 6) – The city government of Bislig has begun consolidating information on residents working abroad amid continuing tensions in parts of the Middle East, aiming to ensure swift coordination should evacuation or emergency assistance be needed.
Through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Bislig is collecting updated data on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed in affected areas, city officials announced Thursday.
In a statement, the city government underscored the urgency of accurate records in times of crisis.
“This information is vital in the conduct of monitoring and proper coordination with concerned national agencies, especially in the event of evacuation and other emergency interventions,” it said.
Tracking location, condition
The PESO is gathering details including the OFW’s full name, specific country and exact location of deployment, employer or company name, and contact information such as mobile number and email address.
For families who have already communicated with relatives abroad, the office is also asking for updates on their condition and current situation.
“Any other information regarding their present conditions in the said countries is necessary and must be relayed to the PESO,” the city government added.
Community-level preparedness
The move reflects growing concern among local governments over the safety of Filipino workers in the Middle East, where escalating tensions have disrupted flights and heightened security risks in recent weeks.
By building a localized database, Bislig aims to complement monitoring efforts of national agencies and Philippine embassies, ensuring that affected residents can be quickly identified and assisted if repatriation becomes necessary.
City officials also urged families to remind their loved ones abroad to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and regularly monitor advisories issued by Philippine embassies and consulates in their host countries.
For many households in Bislig, remittances from overseas workers remain a crucial source of income — making preparedness not only a safety concern but also an economic safeguard for the community.
