Metro Manila, Philippines – Around 50 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Thailand reached out to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) requesting for aid amid heavy rainfall and rising floodwaters.
The capital city of Bangkok was declared a disaster-affected zone on Saturday, Sept. 26, following three days of nonstop torrential rain triggering floods that submerged homes and streets in murky waters.
In a statement, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that the agency has received requests for assistance from about 50 OFWs.
“Sa tamang panahon, we will provide the necessary assistance they need,” Secretary Cacdac was quoted saying. “Ayaw natin maging abala sa efforts ng Thai government, pero kapag na-coordinate na, we will provide the necessary assistance.”
[In the right time, we will provide the necessary assistance they need. We do not want to disrupt the efforts of the Thai government, but once we finish coordinating, we will provide the necessary assistance.]
In an interview with Marie (not her real name), one of the OFWs, details of her experience during the calamity were shared.
Marie said that she has not received a response from the DMW after a few days since she requested for aid through an official survey.
“Ang hirap po,” she stated to NewsWatch Plus. “Tubig gripo namin ang dumi na din.”
[Its hard. Our tap water became dirty, as well.]
“May mga nagbibigay po na nakaboat dito sa apartment,” she shared. “‘Yan po ang nakuha ko this lunch at two bottles of water,” she added.
[There are people on boats giving out food in our apartment. This is what I got for lunch with two bottles of water.]
Marie also said that panic buying worsened during the second and third day of heavy rains, and that resources became limited.
She said her school also offered shelter, free food, and relief goods, but that would mean wading through dirty floodwaters.
“Takot po ako sa leptospirosis at sa ahas,” Marie said. “Kaya kung anong meron, tinitipid na lang.”
[I’m afraid of leptospirosis and snakes. That is why I am just saving up on what I already have.]
In a statement, the DMW and DFA, through the Philippine embassy and MWO Bangkok, said they are continuing to assess the condition and needs of affected Filipinos, encouraging them to contact the DMW at 1348 in Metro Manila, 02 1348 from the provinces, or +63 1 348 from overseas.
They said OFWs may also contact MWO Bangkok via its Facebook page or at +66 83 137 6167 via Line, WhatsApp, or Viber for assistance and further guidance.
