Senator Chiz Escudero on Monday extended his condolences to the family of Mary Ann de Vera, a Filipina who died amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, and urged the government to prioritize the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in affected areas.
“No Filipino should have to pay the ultimate price simply because she sought honest work to provide for her loved ones,” Escudero said in a statement.
The senator stressed that ensuring the safety of Filipinos abroad must be the government’s foremost priority, particularly in conflict-affected regions. He echoed calls for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to make sure contingency and evacuation plans are fully operational.
Escudero also urged both agencies to provide direct and proactive communication with OFWs in vulnerable areas to keep them informed and prepared amid rapidly changing security conditions.
Beyond the immediate crisis, however, Escudero pointed to what he described as a deeper, long-standing challenge facing the country.
“For decades, millions of Filipinos have left home not because they wanted to, but because they felt they had to,” he said, noting that many endure distance, uncertainty, and even instability simply to earn a living for their families.
While recognizing the economic opportunities abroad, the senator acknowledged that some host countries remain geopolitically fragile, exposing Filipino workers to risks beyond their control.
Escudero emphasized that the long-term solution lies in strengthening domestic development, including sustained job creation, stronger local industries, competitive wages, and improved food and energy security.
“We must build an economy where working abroad is a choice, not a necessity,” he said. “Our countrymen deserve a choice, to stay close to their families without sacrificing dignity or opportunity.”
He added that the government must continue honoring and protecting OFWs, but stressed that the greater tribute would be building a nation strong enough that leaving home is no longer the only path to a better life.
The senator’s remarks come as concerns grow over the safety of Filipinos in conflict-affected regions, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and assessing further measures to ensure their protection.
