Image from 2GO Facebook
After Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) showed their disappointment on social media about their accommodation in a quarantine vessel, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) dealt with the issues and cleared out any shortcomings clarifying that it’s the responsibility of the recruitment agency to coordinate with PH authorities.
“If such coordination was made, the OFWs, upon arrival, will board a bus to be escorted by the PCG or the PNP going to their arranged accommodation. If no accommodation was arranged for them prior to landing, that is the time that they will be brought to Pier 15,” the DOTr said in a statement.
The repatriates from Dubai, now quartered in a 2GO ship pointed out that the bunk beds in the ship make it impossible to do social distancing.
DOTr clarified that they had nothing to with it as the bunk beds are part of the ship’s design.
“We would like to point out that most of the beds in the said vessel are built-in, fixed type, as part of the original ship design and configuration.”
“It should be highlighted that the vessel has a 1,200-passenger capacity, but in order to ensure the observance of strict protocols on social distancing, we are only accommodating at most 400 persons,” it added.
The OFWs also noticed that sanitation in the vessel seemed to be a problem, and in response, the transportation department assured that they are taking measures to address sanitation issues in the quarantine vessel.
Room accommodation is free of charge, as well as the food after DOTr directed the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority to shoulder food expenses for the meantime.
“We again apologize for any shortcoming, and we will see to it that we take the necessary remedial action, as we both endure and acknowledge our sacrifices amid the difficulty of our situation,” the DOTr said.
-pddtoday.wixsite.com
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