Free Swab Tests For OFWs And ROFs at MCIA

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) arriving at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will get free swab tests offered by the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH)-7.

“This move to test upon arrival and for free unburdens the OWWA. (It) also (keeps them) from spending so much on their hotel stays,” said DOH-7 chief pathologist and spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche.

The free swab and rt-PCR tests are now free since March 31, 2021. OFWs and ROFs will now be able to guarantee their health status and safety upon arrival.

The free testing is not just for hassle-free travel/arrival but it is also a strategic move to identify those passengers who have been in contact or positive with the disease which will also help lower the COVID-19 cases in Cebu.

This move will also allow OFWs and returning residents to be able to go home quickly instead of spending time longer at the quarantine facilities as the President Rodrigo Duterte ordered.

Dr. Loreche said that a team from DOH-7 were assigned to man 11 testing booths in the international arrival area of MCIA.

As of April 2, DOH-7 team has taken 1,061 swab tests. Of this number, 243 were swabbed on, 364 on April 1, and 499 on April 2.

She added that once the passenger will test negative, they can return home likewise if they test positive, they will be turned over to the local government unit (LGUs) Temporary Treatment Mega Facility and Isolation Facility.

The results of the swab tests will be released within 24 to 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan will also do the same initiative for domestic arrivals. The mayor already scheduled a meeting for this matter.

DOH-7 supports the national government’s “fast-tracking” on returning OFWs testing.

In fact, even Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong Go” proposed the establishment of a separate department for OFWs. He already filed Senate Bill No. 1949 or the Department of Overseas Filipinos (DOFil) act of 2020, which aims to address bureaucratic barriers to make delivery of services more efficient and responsive for OFWs, other Filipinos overseas and their families. (MLC)