PBBM tells DFA, DMW to help Filipinos affected by Maui Wildfire

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to collaborate with the state of Hawaii to assist grieving families and help Filipino communities rebuild after the devastating Maui wildfire.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims of the tragedy, which has claimed at least 97 lives, including a significant number of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans.

"Our hearts are with the victims of the Maui wildfire and their families," Marcos said. "With losses among the Filipino and Filipino-American communities, we deeply feel the weight of this tragedy."

"In the spirit of unity and compassion, I have instructed the DFA and DMW to collaborate with the state of Hawaii to assist grieving families and help Filipino communities rebuild," he added. "We stand in solidarity with those affected, offering our condolences and continued support."

The Maui wildfire started on 8 August 2023, and quickly spread through the town of Lahaina, destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and killing at least 97 people. The fire is believed to have been caused by downed power lines and was fueled by strong winds and dry conditions.

Based on the 2020 census data of Hawaii, Filipinos constitute approximately 25 percent of the state's population, positioning them as the second-largest racial group.

Their presence is even more significant in Lahaina, the town most heavily impacted by the fires, where they make up 40 percent of the population. Furthermore, they represent a considerable portion of the workforce in the tourism sector.

Despite their significant numbers, many of their narratives remain concealed, causing concern among this community. Notably, data from the Migration Policy Institute showed that Filipinos comprise the largest undocumented population in the state, accounting for 46 percent of this demographic.