Riyadh:The recent missile attack on Saudi Arabia's main airport has highlighted the need for stronger emergency assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), as emphasized by Senator Joel Villanueva. Four Filipinos were injured in the attack on King Khalid International Airport, prompting Villanueva to stress the importance of timely support for OFWs in crisis situations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva pointed out that the attacks, which left three Filipinos in intensive care, demonstrate the necessity for well-funded emergency assistance amid increasing geopolitical tensions. He advocated for the enhancement of the Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) AKSYON Fund and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund to ensure immediate aid for Filipinos in emergencies abroad.

The proposed 2027 national budget allocates PHP11.616 billion to the DMW and OWWA, far below their initial PHP37.674-billion request, revealing a PHP26.058-billion shortfall. This discrepancy, discussed during Senate budget deliberations on September 21, underscores the resource constraints faced by agencies tasked with safeguarding millions of Filipinos overseas.

Villanueva condemned the attack, claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels, which killed several and injured hundreds, causing the airport's closure until at least October 17. He urged the government to maintain a robust assistance system to protect OFWs in crises and thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs, DMW, and OWWA for their prompt actions.

The Marcos administration has pledged additional resources, including PHP3 billion for the DMW's assistance fund and PHP1 billion for OWWA, with PHP700 million earmarked for emergency repatriation. Villanueva reiterated the need for a responsive support system to ensure OFWs never face danger alone.