Labella: Expedite swab test result for returning OFWs

CEBU, Philippines —  On behalf of returning overseas Filipino workers who are residents of Cebu City, Mayor Edgardo Labella is appealing to the Department of Health to expedite the release of swab test results and allow those who are free from COVID-19 to immediately go home to their family.

Labella said it is agonizing for arriving OFWs to wait for several days, depriving them of time for their family. The mayor said test results should be released immediately.

“Maong nanghinaot ta nga mapaspasan ang resulta kay kana sila (OFWs) kay excited na kaayo nga makakita sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka pamilya,” Labella said.

“Kun negative ang resulta, mas maayo nga makauli na sila sa ilang families. Dili ta ganahan nga matanggong pa sila,” he added.

The mayor admired Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for simplifying the process for arriving OFWs and returning overseas Filipinos.  Labella has assured OFWs who are residents of the city that they will be assisted by the city government in returning to their respective villages.

Those who will be tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival will be accommodated in the city’s quarantine facilities. Labella said the Cebu City Quarantine Center as well as the different barangay isolation centers will be available.

However, the New Oasis for Adaptation and a Home (NOAH) Complex at the South Road Properties (SRP) will be closed by May 30 after its memorandum of agreement with Bigfoot expires today. — FPL (FREEMAN)