500K OFWs expected to be displaced by COVID-19

National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez said the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to displace 500,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) this year. 

The task force chief said 30,000 OFWs are expected to go home before the end of May and an additional 42,000 OFWs are expected next month.

“Malaking problema dahil we are estimating, ang pinakamababa ay 150,000 to 500,000 ang babalik ngayong taon (It’s a big problem, because we are estimating that the lowest number of returning OFWs this year could range from 150,000 to 500,000),” Galvez said during the Laging Handa virtual press conference on Friday.

He assured that the task force is working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units to address the situation.

The task force is also preparing a one-stop-shop scheme at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals One and Two where OFWs can be tested upon arrival. 

Galvez said Inbound international flights are still limited to give way to returning Filipinos.