CLARK FREEPORT -– Although the country is still reeling from the harsh effects of the pandemic, especially in its economy, repatriates experienced “first-class” treatment while undergoing quarantine in various Clark facilities.
Noel Tulabut, Clark communications manager, said that based on some social media postings, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and balikbayans cited their unforgettable experiences upon their arrival at the airport until they were sent home after being certified negative in their RP-PCR tests.
With the combined efforts provided by Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), including other national government agencies and local government units, the repatriates experienced nothing but topnotch service from their arrival to their swab testing, and being under quarantine.
On the Facebook post, Zoila Reyes, an OFW from Paris, France, shared her personal quarantine experience at the Xenia Hotel here while waiting for the results of her COVID-19 test.
“The hotel is very nice and the staff is so kind. No one will disturb you, they will just ring the door to give the food. If you need something, you can call them by phone and they will give you what you need right away,” Reyes said.
Upon arrival at the airport here, returning OFWs and other returning Filipinos from abroad are required to undergo RT-PCR testing.
They will then be transferred and accommodated in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility in Clark while waiting for the test results, which are usually released within two to three days.
“To see is to believe. Be positive and throw all the negative things because you will not grow if you are always negative. Our prayers and faith in God is the strongest weapon we have,” Reyes said, as she did not expect that the government would offer such services for OFWs and balikbayans.
Another OFW, Romulo Paras II, also shared the same experience on Facebook.
Paras expressed elation and satisfaction over the swift action and hassle-free transaction upon his arrival at the airport here, citing it as “a 5-star service experience.”
“Magagalang at mabibilis ang pagkilos ng mga staff, very helpful at super assist,” he said.
Paras also underscored the actions taken by various government agencies and LGUs on the accommodations given to OFWs.
“I thought big hassle ang pag-uwi sa epidemyang ito ngunit pinaramdam ng gobyernong ito ang importansya at pangangalaga sa akin bilang OFW. I felt so blessed,” Paras added.
Tel Macaspac, whose parents are balikbayans from Europe, said they were a bit anxious to return to the country because of negative reports on the ordeal of OFWs and OFs who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
But Macaspac’s parents were also given first-class service when they were quarantined at the New Clark City facility.
And in just three days, their results were released and they were sent home in Angeles City, Macaspac said in her message to a CDC staff.
Macaspac also said that aside from the sumptuous food provided, they were also given clothes and were visited regularly by doctors assigned at the NCC.
“Sobrang alaga po sila sa Athlete’s Village (at the NCC), di ko expect ang magandang treatment sa kanila. Sobrang blessed po kami dahil sa magandang treatment at alaga sa mga OFWs at OFs,” she added.
