Overseas workers can call their loved ones in the country for free, thanks to the Libreng Tawag sa Middle East of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in partnership with local telecom companies.
“Nakikiisa ang telco sector at DICT sa panawagan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na suportahan ang ating mga OFWs at kanilang pamilya. Manatiling konektado sa pamilya sa panahon ng pangamba,” an FB post from DICT reads.
OFWS are provided free 5-minute calls to Smart & TNT numbers. Countries covered here are Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, roaming package for Globe & TM subscribers are provided with 15-minute calls, 15 all-net texts, and 1 GB data valid for seven days. This offer is available in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.
It could be noted that President Marcos has initiated assistance to OFWs in the Middle East, which include directing telco companies to provide free communication services.
“I have directed our telecommunications companies to provide free communication services between our OFWs and their families here in the Philippines. In response, they have activated the Libreng Tawag Program, which will provide critical support for Filipinos across the Middle East.”
Marcos said that these efforts would ensure that the kababayans can remain connected with their families, offer comfort to one another, and confirm their safety without additional financial burden.
In addition, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMWs) has assured families of OFWs of continued government support amid the ongoing tension in the middle east.
DMW-3 Assistant Regional Director Dennis Manzanero has said that the agency has programs in place to help – which includes financial assistance, livelihood support, and counseling for their families.
“The government continues to work hard to protect our OFWs and ensure their well-being despite the situation in the Middle East,” he said.
Sources: Facebook (1), Facebook (2), PIA
Leave a Reply