The recent de-escalation of alert levels in various parts of the country is a sign that things may go back to (new) normal. A lot of Filipinos celebrated this pandemic freedom by flocking to malls, restaurants, parks, and shops. Amid our relief, however, some areas around the world are still not “feeling well," particularly our neighbor up north, Hong Kong.
Hong Kong posted a new daily record of 55,353 new COVID-19 infections last Wednesday, March 2, 2022. This was a tremendous spike in cases, pushing Hong Kong on the brink of panic as hospitals are filled with patients and mortuaties are swamped with bodies. Travel to Hong Kong is now restricted, affecting its status as a global financial and aviation hub. Meanwhile, authorities have called on all residents to be calm as it builds thousands of isolation units to quarantine those with symptoms.
As Hong Kong struggles to find its footing in this battle versus the COVID surge, one of the most affected are the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which accounts for almost 200,000 of the total 340,000 domestic helpers in the city. Recent reports have shown that they were either fired or made homeless by their employers when they tested positive for COVID-19. Those with severe cases had a hard time accessing medical help or had to line up outside hospitals in cold weather.
With the rising number of OFWs afflicted with COVID-19, the Philippine government must do all it can to address their plight in order to bring genuine service to these modern-day heroes. The clarion call is clear, with President Duterte expressing his personal sadness upon learning the unfortunate plight of some OFWs in Hong Kong.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, in a statement, outlined the President’s directive: “Our government is promptly responding to the situation, primarily through our Consulate in Hong Kong, and has been providing protection and assistance to our kababayans such as ensuring and securing isolation facilities for their fast recovery.
The government will be mounting operations for repatriation services, which will be spearheaded by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is now closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs and our Consulate for the deployment of government air assets, such as our C130s, and/ or chartered commercial flights to be sent for those who want to be repatriated.”
This new development is on top of last week’s efforts from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, which announced that it will blacklist the employers of OFWs who had been illegally fired for getting sick with COVID-19. Consul General Raly Tejada had also assured the families of OFWs that everything is being done to ensure that the sick are treated, the exposed are isolated, and those who have recovered can go back to work.
Hong Kong is now undergoing a grim phase. The surge had overwhelmed it like never before. Amid the alarming numbers and long lines emerge stories of hope and humanity, how each one finds his or her role to help and be of service to others. It is now time to bring some concrete relief to OFWs in Hong Kong. To those who want to go back home, bring them back ASAP. To those who want to continue working, ensure their welfare and safety. OFWs have already sacrificed so much for their families and it is not fair for them to carry more burden during this daunting phase of the pandemic.