MARCH 27, 2026 – In Samar, the city government of Calbayog launched on Friday an online platform that aims to support and strengthen communication for its residents who are living and working abroad, especially those in the Middle East.
The platform, i-Konek Calbayog Registry Portal, was developed to help build an extensive database of Calbayog City residents who are working overseas. It enables the local government to reach them quickly during times of crisis.
i-Konek Registry Portal Launched in Calbayog City
The i-Konek Registry Portal was designed by the city’s planning and development office, with the support of Mayor Raymond Uy and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, the Philippine News Agency reported. Basically, it enables local authorities to send timely advisories, updates, and other information to Calbayog City residents who are based abroad.
In a statement, the city government said the portal “is especially intended to assist residents in areas experiencing humanitarian crises and unrest, as part of broader efforts to enhance the protection and welfare of the city’s migrant workers.”
Aside from providing emergency response, the portal also seeks to help keep overseas residents “connected” to local government programs. This way, they can remain involved in the city’s social, cultural, and economic activities, despite being in another country.
Additionally, the city government has also introduced the i-Konek-Kami Campaign, a communications and community engagement initiative that showcases successful “Calbayognons” and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to reinforce a sense of pride and belonging among the city’s residents, near and far.
Furthermore, the city government implements the “Mabulig Calbayog” (Support, Return, and Reinvest Program), which enables OFWs to “give back” and participate in shaping the city’s future by participating in educational sponsorship projects, donation drives, livelihood programs, mentorships, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives.
Notably, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) acting Regional Director Lovely Aissa Velayo-Agliam praised the i-Konek Registry Portal, describing it as a “very welcome” development. She expressed hope that other local government units will adopt similar programs. She also affirmed that the DMW is always ready to support and address concerns involving migrant workers through OFW Help Desks and Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) in all localities.
To date, data shows that at least 210 Calbayog residents working in the Middle East have registered on the platform. Meanwhile, based on data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Calbayog City has a total of 3,057 residents working abroad. Of these, majority or 2,489 are land-based, 549 are sea-based, while 19 have unspecified classifications. Furthermore, 1,004 are active OWWA members, while 2,053 are inactive.
For questions or concerns regarding the i-Konek Registry Portal, the Calbayog city government may reached via email at ikonekcalbayog@gmail.com, or through their official Facebook page. Likewise, check out this article to learn more about the OWWA e-card, which enables OFWs to easily access government services abroad, and also to avail of exclusive discounts in partner establishments inside and outside the Philippines.