DFA Consular Office in La Union Participates in Regional Meeting on “Creation Of Sub-Task Group On Repatriation”
The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office in La Union participates in the Regional Meeting on the “Creation of Sub-Task Group (STG) on Repatriation” on 01 May 2020. (CO La Union photo)
LA UNION 11 May 2020 – The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office in La Union participated in the Regional Meeting on the “Creation of Sub-Task Group (STG) on Repatriation” held at the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)–Region 1 Office, San Fernando City, La Union on 01 May 2020.
The meeting, which was organized by Regional Task Force (RTF) for COVID-19, was attended by officials/representatives of various regional agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine National Police, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)-Northern Luzon, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Coastguard District Northwestern Luzon, and La Union Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office. The Consular Office in La Union was represented by Administrative Officer John Dick B. Ayco.
The Office of Civil Defense Region 1 Director and the current Chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Ilocos Region (RDRRMC-1) Eugene G. Cabrera presided over the meeting and presented the process flow on the repatriation of Overseas Filipinos (OFs), which involves coordination with the Philippine Embassy or the Philippine Consulate General at their countries of origin, facilitation and processing of relevant documents upon arrival at the airport, COVID-19 testing, and other logistical support. Recommendations on the provisions of proper assistance and support to OFs by appropriate agencies were discussed.
Some of the proposals which transpired during the course of meeting include: The Philippine Embassy or the Philippine Consulate General shall provide a list of OFs who will be repatriated to DFA, OWWA, BOQ and the Department of Transportation (DOTr); BOQ shall screen and assess the health of all incoming OFs and shall segregate symptomatic patients; The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) shall provide necessary assistance in the processing of relevant documents of OFs; OWWA shall provide food and other amenities needed by the OFs; shall also coordinate closely with a Mega Quarantine Facility; DSWD shall provide assistance to all undocumented or distressed OFs; and DOTr, DILG, PNP, the Local Government Unit (LGU), and other agencies shall provide logistical support and other necessary assistance.
The RTF will oversee and monitor the overall implementation of the plans and programs of this STG. Follow through meetings will be organized, if deemed necessary. END
The Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office in La Union participates in the Regional Meeting on the “Creation of Sub-Task Group (STG) on Repatriation” on 01 May 2020. (CO La Union photo)