Remittances from overseas Filipino workers grew modestly despite the conflict in the Middle East, where at least 12,000 workers have been repatriated, the Department of Migrant Workers said Oct. 28.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said remittances rose between 2.2% and 2.3%, describing the increase as a sign of resilience amid slowing global economic growth. He did not specify the period covered by the growth figures.
“Despite the global tendency of slowing economic growth, remittances are sustained, posting growth of around 2.2% to 2.3%,” Cacdac said at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum.
Personal remittances reached nearly 40 billion pesos ($628 million) last year, he said.
The Philippine government has repatriated at least 12,000 overseas Filipino workers since the U.S.-Iran war began in February, according to Cacdac. Workers in the hospitality and construction industries were among those hardest hit, he said.
The department has proposed a budget of 11.616 billion pesos ($182 million) for 2027 to bolster financial assistance, training and employment opportunities for affected workers.
Cacdac said additional funding was needed to meet growing demands arising from the Middle East crisis. He also sought a larger reintegration budget to help returning workers rebuild their livelihoods.
