CEBU CITY – Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can get free swab testing at the international arrival area of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Spearheaded by the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH Region 7), the project was officially launched last April 1 but the giving of free swab testing and RT-PCR testing to ROFs and returning residents at MCIA started last March 31.
“This move to test upon arrival and for free unburdens the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. It also (keeps them) from spending so much on their hotel stays,” said Loreche.
The DOH Region 7 project is in partnership with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) and “Project Balik Buhay.”
“This is in response to the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the fast-tracking of the testing and the release of results for the OFWs and returning residents,” said Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino.
Dino said the giving of free swab testing upon arrival from international flights will allow OFWs and returning residents to go home quickly instead of spending time at the quarantine facilities.
Manned by DOH Region 7 personnel, a total of 11 testing booths have been put up at the international arrival area of MCIA, Loreche said.
As of April 2, the DOH Region 7 has taken 1,061 swab tests. Of this number, 243 were swabbed on March 31, 364 on April 1, and 499 on April 2.
A passenger tested test negative for the virus can immediately go home while those who will be tested positive will be turned over to the (LGUs) Temporary Treatment Mega Facility and Isolation Facility of the concerned local government unit.
The results of the swab tests will be released within 24 to 48 hours.
Loreche said that the DOH Region 7 also sought sponsorship for test kits and consumables from the private sector to achieve “operational sustainability.”