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THE MANILA BULLETIN
_{The Nation's Most Trusted Newspaper}

_8.11.2022

PHILIPPINES TO DISPATCH 750 OFWS TO YEMEN TO SUPPORT NATIONBUILDING EFFORTS

MANILA, 8/11 -- The Philippines is known around the world for exporting skilled or unskilled workers by the hundreds of thousands. Under the presidency of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Philippines made itself known in the world with the exporting of OFWs, or Offshore Filipino Workers, who went abroad to take on low-level jobs like secretaries, construction workers, domestic helpers, etc., and sent back remittances to financially support their family at home. OFW remittances are one of the largest sources of income for the country, bringing in well over $36 billion USD annually.

During the pandemic, the OFW business slowed as travel was curtailed globally and as workers were repatriated at home where jobs were limited, causing a slowdown in the massive service industry.

However, an agreement made today between the Philippines and the new government of Yemen was made in hopes to strengthen the OFW industry post-pandemic. Negotiations between Yemeni representatives and the Department of Foreign Affairs led to the signing of an agreement today for the dispatching of 750 volunteer OFWs to Yemen to support their nationbuilding efforts. Alongside these 750 workers will see the establishment of an expanded embassy in Sana'a, where a Philippine armed security team of 25 will remain to protect the welfare and wellbeing of the OFWs.

'Despite the risks presented by the unstable nature of Yemeni society,' Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo stated, 'the Philippines is ready to support Yemeni nationbuilding as they prepare to rebuild and recover after their lethal civil war'.

The Philippines voted to allow Yemen a seat in the United Nations this week.