The government continues providing shuttle bus services to assist departing and arriving overseas Filipino workers going to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Manila International Airport Authority officials said seven buses were mobilized to pick up OFWs at the NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 for transport to designated drop-off points in Dau, Pampanga; Calamba, Laguna; and within the National Capital Region.
Last week, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in close coordination with the Manila airport authority launched “Hatid-Sundo sa Stranded OFWs” to provide free transport service to OFWs and their families affected by the public land travel restriction as the entire Luzon was placed under the enhanced community quarantine and state of calamity due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019.
But due to localized lockdown implemented by various provinces, some OWWA shuttle buses encountered challenges in transporting the OFWs to the designated drop-off points.
Despite some issues encountered at the local checkpoints, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac expressed optimism that affected OFWs will be provided with necessary assistance.
“This a national emergency and in our effort to help we will encounter challenges. This is not the time to get bogged down by these challenges. Let us all move forward and continue our efforts”, said Cacdac.
The free-transport assistance of OWWA shall continue until the community quarantine is lifted.
As of March 21, a total of 824 OFWs availed of the free-transport service of OWWA.
To ensure the safety of the OWWA personnel administering the free-transport and its passenger-OFWs, strict sanitation procedures are observed such as bus disinfection, social distancing, and proper hand hygiene.
In Pasay City, Mayor Imelda Rubiano said she would allow hotels and other similar establishments providing accommodations to open, but only for arriving and departing overseas Filipino workers.
Rubiano made the decision following a meeting with OWWA Deputy Administrator Faustino Sabarez III last Saturday.
As of Monday, Sogo Hotel has been approved for this accomodotation for OFWs.
“OWWA can only accommodate so much, and we are now seeking the help of Pasay to help us open more establishments that can house our departing or arriving OFWs,” Sabarez said.