PH Embassy in Manama Hosts Online Forum to Encourage Continued Vigilance Against COVID-19
Screen capture of the poster of the forum with Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver at the start of the forum. (Manama PE photo)
MANAMA 06 August 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Manama hosted its very first online forum entitled “Patuloy ang Banta, Huwag Magpabaya: Isang Talakayan Ukol sa Patuloy na Kahalagahan ng Ibayong Pag-iingat Laban sa COVID-19” via Google Meet on 30 July 2020. The online forum was conducted to encourage members of the Filipino Community to continue their vigilance in adhering to health and safety protocols to prevent infection. The resource speakers who shared their expertise on the matter were Dr. Ansari Macapundag, Dr. Jofrelyn BIstoyong, and Ms. Miriam Ann Saboy. Over 20 Filipino Community leaders and presidents of different Filipino Community Organizations participated in the forum.
Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver welcomed the participants and thanked them for joining the online forum. He explained that the online forum was organized to share updates, best practices, and lessons on COVID-19 to the Embassy personnel, and the Filipino community, including preventive measures being implemented by the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Embassy, as well as the effects of the pandemic on mental health, to prevent and reduce the risks associated with COVID-19. Ambassador Ver also thanked members of the Filipino community who supported the Embassy’s “Bayanihan Para kay Kabayan Program” and those who by themselves provided support to kababayans during this pandemic.
Dr Ansari Macapundag, an Emergency Room Physician from the Bahrain Specialist Hospital, warned that the threat of COVID-19 still remains, and reminded everyone not to be complacent. He shared the recent statistics of COVID-19 infection in the Philippines and in the Kingdom of Bahrain, information on the incubation period of the virus, symptoms of infection, risk factors, and supportive treatments.
Dr. Jofrelyn Bistoyong, a Specialist Pediatrician from the Bahrain Specialist Hospital, provided information regarding COVID-19 in children, including mortality rate, symptoms of COVID-19 in children and supportive treatments for children with COVID-19. Dr. Bistoyong also reminded everyone not to put facemasks and face shields on kids two years and below.
A total of three kababayans shared their experiences regarding their bouts with COVID-19, starting from how they found out that they were infected by the virus, the symptoms they experienced, the treatment they received, as well as, the assistance they received from the Embassy and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA). They all underscored the importance of taking proper precautions to reduce the risk of becoming infected.
During the open forum, Dr. Macapundag and Dr. Bistoyong responded to queries posed by the participants, ranging from the possibility of transmission of the virus by asymptomatic cases, the use of antibiotics in prevention and treatment of COVID-19, concerns regarding the possibility of reinfection, health and safety protocols being implemented by airline companies and the Bahrain International Airport, as well as, the Philippine Government’s programs, projects and initiatives for OFWs diagnosed with COVID-19. Both doctors underscored that antibiotics will not prevent or treat COVID-19 since antibiotics are used only for bacterial infections and not sickness caused by a virus, such as COVID19. They also reiterated the importance of observing frequent hand washing, use of face masks and social distancing as asymptomatic cases are also infectious.
Ms. Miriam Ann Saboy, a Registered Psychologist and Psychometrician, for her part, discussed the common effects of COVID-19 on mental health which are anxiety, stress, and worry. She also shared with all registered participants ways to take care of one’s self, particularly their mental health, during this pandemic through a video presentation.
Representatives from the Embassy and its attached agencies also gave brief discussions on the Embassy’s efforts to assist Filipinos affected by the pandemic. Labor Attaché Atty. Vicente Cabe shared the latest information on Philippine Overseas Labor Office’s (POLO) implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment’s Financial Assistance for Displaced Workers or DOLE-AKAP.
Welfare Officer Redina Manlapaz shared that OWWA, in cooperation with the Embassy, and Filipino Community leaders, including Mr. Rod Paje, Ms. Annette Avila, Ms. Miriam Guese, Ms. Rosalie Nochefranca, and Mr. Jimmy Sarmiento, was able to distribute 3,608 food packs to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were either terminated or are receiving reduced salary due to the pandemic. She further shared that OWWA is giving 200 USD or 75 BHD to OFWs who were infected by COVID-19. Per OWWA records, a total of 62 OFWs have so far benefitted from the program, while 27 are still on process.
Consul Bryan Jess Baguio explained that the Embassy created a COVID-19 Database to keep track of the condition of OFWs. Consul Baguio further mentioned that the Database is intended to effectively respond to the needs of OFWs, develop policy recommendations, and encourage members of the community to continue reporting to the Embassy cases of COVID-19 among Filipinos in order for the Embassy to adequately facilitate the provision of assistance to our kababayans. END
Left photo: Dr. Jofrelyn Bistoyong discusses COVID-19 in children. Right photo: A screenshot of the speakers and participants during the forum. (Manama PE photo)
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver gives his welcome remarks. Right photo: Dr. Ansari Macapundag discusses the symptoms of COVID-19 and related health protocols. (Manama PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.manamape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain.