Pasay City gov't swiftly responds to OWWA call to open hotels, hostels to shelter arriving, departing OFWS
By Dhel Nazario
Hotels and establishments providing accommodations have been allowed to operate in Pasay City on the condition that they will only be catering to arriving and departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano disclosed this in an impromptu meeting yesterday with Deputy Administrator Faustino Sabarez III of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Sabarez said he has been looking for halfway houses to shelter OFWs, especially some100 sea-based workers who were arriving on Saturday.
“OWWA can only accommodate so much, and we are now seeking the help of Pasay to help us open more establishments that can house our departing or arriving OFWs,” Sabarez said.
Calixto-Rubiano immediately instructed her staff to send word to hotels, motor hotels, and hostels to accommodate the OFWs.
She reminded these establishments to always keep in mind the government’s policy on social distancing.
Sabarez thanked the mayor for her swift action. OWWA will be paying for the lodging and food of the OFWs.
“Your decision will help a lot of these OFWs, who come from faraway provinces,” he said.