The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday addressed issues on lodging raised by repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently quarantined on a ship provided by 2GO.
This came after some returning OFWs from Dubai complained on social media about the lack of sanitation and health protocols on the makeshift quarantine facility assigned to them by the government for their mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The concerned OFW uploaded photos and videos of the quarantine facility showing bunker beds cramping the quarters and some cockroaches roving on the designated rooms.
“If such coordination was made, the OFWs, upon arrival, will board a bus to be escorted by the PCG or the PNP going to their arranged accommodation,” the statement read adding that the DOTr will step in if no accommodation was arranged for them prior to landing, and they will be transported to Pier 15.
DOTr also responded on the issue of social distancing and sanitation inside the floating vessels.
“We would like to point out that most of the beds in the said vessel are built-in, fixed type, as part of the original ship design and configuration,” the statement read.
“It should be highlighted that the vessel has a 1,200-passenger capacity, but, in order to ensure the observance of strict protocols on social distancing, we are only accommodating at most 400 persons.”
The DOTr said the lack of mattresses was deliberately done as a physical distancing measure.
“In a four-bunk bed configuration, only one bed will be utilized. (DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade) also directed maritime officials to coordinate with the shipowner to explore the possibility of removing the beds that are not in use,” it said.
Free accommodation
The DOTr also clarified that accommodation for the returning OFWs is free of charge in contrast to the claim of the uploader of the viral post.
“As for the P180 fee being imposed, please note that these are optional fees for the 3 meals (P60/meal) which 2Go is required to prepare and serve for the quarantined individuals. These are to be shouldered by the manning and recruitment agencies,” DOTr explained adding that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have been ordered to temporarily cover the expenses on food of returning OFWs.
“And if the person would not want to avail of the in-house meals, they also have the option to buy food and other essentials at the mini mart located also inside the vessel,” it added.
It said sanitation procedures have been taken to address the cockroaches discovered in certain areas of the ship.
“We again apologize for any shortcoming, and we will see to it that we take the necessary remedial action, as we both endure and acknowledge our sacrifices amid the difficulty of our situation,” it read.
I would like to ask if the returning OFW which has a residence of his own with only his wife to accompany him, can quarantine himself. Does the DOTR and The DFA in the philippines considered those OFWS above 50 years of age with current medical pre-conditions to be considered high risk to contract the desease. Can the govt agencies look into this matter – OFWs arriving in the Philippines have different physical well-being and believe the Govt should consider – make amends on the quarantine facilities now being given to returning OFWs.
I would like to ask if the returning OFW which has a residence of his own with only his wife to accompany him, can quarantine himself. Does the DOTR and The DFA in the philippines considered those OFWS above 50 years of age with current medical pre-conditions to be considered high risk to contract the desease. Can the govt agencies look into this matter – OFWs arriving in the Philippines have different physical well-being and believe the Govt should consider – make amends on the quarantine facilities now being given to returning OFWs.