Thinking of going back to the Philippines amid the pandemic situation? Fear not, kabayan! The Philippine government has reportedly upped its preparations and protocols for receiving returning OFWs from various parts of the world.
A few months ago, the situation was different when a cargo ship was used by the Philippine government to accommodate returning OFWs. Reports among passengers circulated that the rooms provided were not properly managed and social distancing was not observed within the ship as OFWs had to share cramped bunk beds while on board.
Returning OFWs Praise Accommodation and Services Provided by Gov’t During Mandatory Quarantine Upon Arrival
In one of the posts shared by a Pinay OFW, she shared her positive experience during her stay at a hotel for the 14-day mandatory quarantine period upon arrival in Manila.
“Sobrang Bayanihan talaga tau !! pagbaba palang natin sa airport habang naghihintay nang luagage natin may Owwa na sasalubong nang pagkain sayo?? sobrang care na Care an OWWA Hanggang makasakay ka nang Bus papuntang hotel andyan padin Sila ?? (The bayanihan spirit was very evident! The moment you land at the airport and while waiting for your luggage, you will be received by OWWA representatives and will be provided with food. We were well taken care of until we got on our designated buses and were brought to the hotel – they were always there,” the OFW shared in her post.
She shared that the amenities at the hotel were top-notch, and everything they needed was provided for. They had Wi-Fi access in their rooms, were regularly provided with toiletries, fresh towels, and food during their stay.
The OFW also assured those who are afraid of undergoing the swab test that it wouldn’t hurt. And on top of it all, they did not have to shell out any peso throughout their stay.
Here are some of the photos shared by the OFWs who returned home since May:
ALSO READ: Foreigners, non-OFWs Returning to PH to Shoulder Quarantine Accommodation
Under the DOLE’s Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong sa OFWs Program (DOLE-AKAP), the accommodation and food of returning OFWs while awaiting test results are shouldered by the government, as managed by officials from OWWA.
The agency has already sent home close to 130,000 OFWs since May 15. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello requested additional funds worth P2.5 billion for 597,469 OFWs seeking government assistance.
Source: FB OFW Page