ILOILO – The provincial government’s helpdesk at the capitol is ready to assist families here who have relatives working in Beirut, Lebanon.
Formally called the Task Force Bulig Ilonggo for OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), the helpdesk is being managed by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) headed by Francisco Heler Jr.
“The office is open (to families with relatives working) sa Beirut nga gusto mag-usisa. May linya na kita,” said Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
A recent warehouse explosion in Beirut killed and injured many people there, including Filipinos.
Defensor said the provincial government has decided to make the helpdesk a permanent arm to help Ilonggos concerned about relatives working or living abroad. It helps refer concerns to appropriate national government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), among others.
For his part, Heler said the helpdesk is operating 24/7.
OFWs may also contact the helpdesk if they want to connect with relatives back home through the helpdesk email BuligIlonggo@iloilo.gov.ph, Facebook page (Bulig Ilonggo Task Force) and phone numbers 09178327307, 337-4484 and 509-1075.
The helpdesk is at the fifth floor of the provincial capitol.
“So far wala pa man diri sang may nagtawag nga mangayo sang bulig from Lebanon,” said Heler.
The helpdesk was established in January this year to connect families here and relatives working in Iran and Iraq due to the escalation of tension there after a US bomb attack killed an Iranian military general visiting Iraq.
The helpdesk is being assisted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, General Services Office, Information Communication Technology Management Office, and Public Information and Community Affairs Office./PN
