Hawaii Includes Philippines in State’s Safe Travels Program, Allows Travelers from Manila to Bypass the State’s Mandatory 10-day Quarantine

Left Photo: Philippine Consul General in Honolulu Joselito A. Jimeno calls on Stale of Hawaii Governor David /ge. In photo are (from lefi to right) Philippine Airlines (PAL) North Amer/ca Regional Head Bryan Lim, Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay, Governor David Ige, Consul General Joselito Jimeno, PAL President Gilbert Santa Maria, Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos, and PAL Honolulu Area Manager Soledad Solleza. (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos) Right Photo: Consul General Jimeno, accompanied by Consulate and Philippine Airlines officials, meets with State of Hawaii Governor David lge. (Photo credit: Joel C. Bulos) (Photos from NYPM)

HONOLULU, 3 August 2021— Consul General Joselito A. Jimeno called on State of Hawaii Governor David lge on 29 July 2021 where he expressed the Philippine Government’s appreciation for the State of Hawaii’s decision to include the Philippines in its Safe Travels Program as a Trusted Testing Partner. This allows Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers travelling from Manila to Honolulu to bypass the state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine as long as they are able to present a negative PCR test taken at a PAL-accredited laboratory 72 hours before departure from the Philippines.

Governor Ige, in his reply, said  that the state looks forward to restarting and increasing international travel with the Philippines on a “more robust and regular basis.”, cognizant of the large Filipino community which calls Hawaii home.

Consul General Jimeno also informed the governor that the Filipino community, through FiICOM CARES, has been very proactive in supporting the state’s efforts to increase the vaccination rate. The Consul General also said that the Consulate also has been supportive of the community’s efforts through regular reminders via radio and other media partners to avail of vaccination and continue adhering to recommended health protocols.

Gov. Ige expressed appreciation for the community’s endeavors, noting that people-to-people links are sometimes more effective in getting the message across and convincing people to be vaccinated, adding that the government will focus on increasing the vaccination rate and reminders on remaining vigilant and taking the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus particularly as these measures will be even more important to ensure a healthy and safe environment for in-person learning as the new school year starts on August 3.

PAL officials, including President Gilbert Santa Maria, North America Regional Head Bryan Lim, and Honolulu Area Manager Soledad Solleza, and Consulate officials, Consul Grace Anne G. Bulos and Protocol Officer Joel C. Bulos joined Consul General Jimeno during the call. Also present during the call was Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Jade Butay.END

For more information, visit http://www.philippineshonolulu.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/PHinHonolulu/