Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo III (5th District, Neg. Occ.) is pushing for a district-level database and stronger overseas support networks for migrant workers following the case of an OFW who escaped from her allegedly abusive employer in Saudi Arabia.
“Eva”, 45-year-old worker, whose husband and three minor children are based in Isabela, Negros Occidental, escaped from her employer on Aug. 2 and is now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.
She has been working in Riyadh since January 2023.
Her initial contract ended in December 2025 but was extended until Dec. 31, 2026.
Yulo said the Isabela local government had been monitoring the situation and coordinating with the worker’s family and concerned government agencies from the beginning.
He said the case highlighted the need for a reliable database of Fifth District residents working in the Middle East and other countries.
Yulo said he had discussed the proposal with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration about a month ago, with the aim of establishing direct communication with OFWs and connecting them with support groups in their host countries.
Under the proposed system, workers willing to register would provide their information before leaving the Philippines, allowing authorities to contact them or people near their workplace during emergencies.
He said the database could also help the government respond when workers are detained, deprived of food or unable to contact their families.
“With the advent of technology, there should be someone we can immediately call, and we can communicate directly with the OFW,” Yulo said.
He added that departing workers should also receive orientation on the culture and practices of their destination countries because they will be leaving their comfort zones and may face unfamiliar conditions.
Yulo said his office is coordinating with OFW associations to help create on-site support networks for workers who may otherwise feel isolated abroad.
He added that families left in the Philippines should also receive financial literacy training and recognize that OFWs should not be treated merely as sources of money.
“What happened to Eva is something to ponder because this shows what life can really be like for our workers abroad,” he said.
Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo earlier said he had spoken with the OFW’s husband and assured the family that the local government would continue coordinating with concerned agencies for her safe return.
The provincial government has yet to receive confirmation on when she will return to the Philippines, although Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province may provide financial assistance.*
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