Gov’t launches free rides for OFWs who test negative for COVID-19

May 25, 2020

The government on Monday launched free rides for overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who tested negative for COVID-19.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, based on the fifth batch of the online release of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result, a total of 7,806 OFWs can get their quarantine clearance at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The free rides were  launched by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to assist the OFWs who wish to return to their provinces.

According to PCG, the free rides will be provided from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) accredited quarantine facilities in Maynila and nearby provinces going to PITX or NAIA.

"The vehicles that will provide free rides for OFWs going to provinces in Luzon like Bicol are already prepared at the PITX," said PCG.

"While the OFWs who will avail flight going back to Davao, Zamboanga, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban and Cebu will be transported to NAIA," it added.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago said the government has prepared more than 200 buses to accomodate more than 2000 OFWs going to their provinces. Robina Asido/DMS