CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- After being quarantined for four days, at least three (3) repatriated Kapampangan overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were tested negative from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were sent home on Sunday, July 12. A simple send-off ceremony for the OFWs was held at the Capitol Grounds here led by Angelina Blanco, one of the chief implementers of the program.
The said OFWs arrived in the country via Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last week and were fetched back to the province through the “Balik Pinas, Balik Pampanga Program” of the provincial government led by Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda.
The OFWs received their Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) results yesterday, after undergoing mandatory quarantine at New Clark City (NCC) Athlete’s Village, a quarantine facility designated for Pampanga.
Blanco identified the OFWs as Kristina Manalansan from Lubao town, Julie Visda, and Vernon Vergara from this city.
She welcomed the OFWs and ensured the safe return of repatriates to their families and loved ones amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our OFWs have sacrificed so much working abroad that’s why the least we can do is to help them go home safe back to their families. Governor Delta prioritizes the safety and security of our Kapampangan OFWs,” she said.
Manalansan, meanwhile expressed her gratitude to Governor Pineda for looking after the welfare of the OFWs.
“Maswerte ang mga taga- Pampanga may ganitong programa ang Governor which is talagang secure ka from the airport hanggang sa pag-uwi mo, walang magiging problema, she shared. Vergara also lauded the efforts extended by the provincial government for OFWs like them.
“Maraming-marami salamat po Governor Delta lalong-lalo na sa programang ito. Marami po itong natutulungang Kabalen na OFW na nagsasakripisyo upang mag-trabaho sa ibang bansa,” he said.
Blanco meanwhile asked for the full cooperation and understanding of Kapampangan OFWs who wish to avail the program.
“Humihingi po kami ng pasensya sa mga Kabalen nating gustong mag-apply. We need to follow the strict 10-day registration policy for our logistics and iba pang requirements na kailangan icomply sa airport para po mapaghandaan natin ang inyong pagdating. Sana maintindihan niyo po ang stand ng provincial government,” she said.
To date, there are a total of five (5) Kapampangan repatriates who are still waiting for their test result at NCC. While, some 21 OFWs, who registered under the said program, are expected to arrive in the country today, July 12.