Isko Moreno to COVID-positive OFWs, Filipino returnees: Manila field hospital will accommodate you for free
FILE PHOTO: Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs arrive at an airport after being allowed to go home following weeks of quarantine amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines May 26, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko presidential bet Isko Moreno is calling on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipino returnees who are positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival in the country to take advantage of the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital (MCFH) where they can be accommodated free of charge instead of spending their hard-earned money on similar facilities.
“Access is available to them anytime. Just tell the BOQ (Bureau of Quarantine) ‘wag na kayo dalhin sa hotel. You can request. Hanggang kaya, tutulong kami,” Moreno said.
According to Moreno, countless immigrants and OFWs sent cash donations during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and giving free accommodation to OFWs and Filipino returnees is the city government’s little way of returning the favor or paying it forward.
“Kung ano ang itinanim, siyang aanihin. Ito ay paglingon sa mga tumulong sa amin sa kasagsagan ng aberya nung 2020. So, ito man lang ay maisukli sa OFWs and returnees,” the mayor said.
Moreno guaranteed that he and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna have been making sure that every single centavo that goes into the coffers of the local government is being spent wisely and for the benefit of the greater majority.
“Wala man kaming magawa sa impeksyon, meron naman tayong magagawa para mabuhay ang tao. Basta kami ni Vice Mayor Honey ay pipilitin naming lagi na maging masinop, mainam at episyente,” Moreno said, saying all they ask in return is for the public to get vaccinated and continue practicing the basic health protocols to avoid transmission of the virus.
He assured those who will avail of the free accommodation that the said field hospital headed by Dr. Arlene Dominguez as its director is comfortable and the patients do not have to spend a single centavo until they are fully recovered.
“Welcome kayo sa Maynila. We are offering the said services for free, Komportable, walang tosgas. Me aircon, maayos na hospital beds, doctors, nurses food oxygen, gamot, wifi at may libre chicha pa three times a day. Para nang sa ganun, ‘yung naipon ninyong pera di na masusugatan pa at maiuuwi ninyo nang buong-buo sa inyong tahanan,” Moreno said.
Moreno bared that the city government had been receiving requests from OFWs and Filipino returnees for a free accommodation, saying they do not want a good portion of their savings going to hotel expenses.
Citing records provided by Dominguez, the mayor said that since December 31 last year, more than 100 OFWs and Filipino returnees were accommodated at one given time at the MCFH.
Moreno added that Dominguez had reported that only 105 out of the total of 344 beds in the said hospital are occupied unlike a week ago when the occupancy rate was at 93 percent.
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