OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Taiwan are not yet showing concerns over the growing tension between the People's Republic of China and Republic of China, said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (Polo) in Taichung.
In a virtual press briefing, Labor Attaché to Taichung Bienvenido Cerbo said no one among the OFWs in Taiwan have manifested being troubled by the looming attack by China.
"Our OFWs, so far, have no concerns, questions, or doubts. There are no such things. Everybody is just observing," said Cerbo.
"Right now, our modern day heroes in Taiwan are not showing worries," he added.
He said the OFWs are even more concerned with other matters than the political tension.
"They are even more concerned in wanting to finish their basketball tournaments, seeking assistance, personal gripes, and financial aid," he said. "But for that issue, there has been none."
Nevertheless, he said the Polo is already undertaking steps in preparation for possible hostilities.
These include updating their inventories, profiles, and contact numbers of OFWs and assigned coordinators.
"This is so that in unlikely events, where we need to mobilize, we have a plan prepared," said Cerbo.
In recent weeks, tension between China and Taiwan have increased with full-scale strikes being feared by some observers.
To note, Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, while China sees the former as a breakaway province of the latter.
Cerbo said there are currently 149,000 OFWs in Taiwan with some 55,000 employed in the electronics manufacturing industry.
If the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation there further improves, he said they even see bright prospects for OFWs.
"Everybody is keeping their fingers crossed. There are good opportunities, and are very ripe for the picking," said Cerbo. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)