First DFA-chartered flight from Laos brings Home 50 Overseas Filipinos

Passengers were given tote bags containing face masks, a face shield, hand sanitizer, snacks and a special bag tag. Children also received coloring books and crayons. (Vientiane PE photo)

VIENTIANE 02 September 2021 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Office of Migrant Workers’ Affairs, and the Philippine Embassy in Laos successfully repatriated 50 Filipinos on 01 September 2021 via Myanmar National Airlines flight UB-9905. Among the passengers were seven children, one pregnant woman, a pet dog and the cremated remains of a Filipino who passed away in Laos last July.

The 50 passengers from Laos joined 92 Filipinos from Myanmar and Cambodia in the sweeper flight organized by the DFA.

All the passengers were given tote bags by the Embassy containing face masks, a face shield, hand sanitizer, snacks and even coloring books and crayons for the children. A one-time financial assistance of US$ 200.00 was also given to each adult passenger. Prior to the flight, 13 out of the 50 repatriates were provided food and lodging by the Embassy.

This is the first repatriation from Laos in 2021, and the second since 2020 mounted by the Embassy. A total of 95 overseas Filipinos from Laos have been repatriated by the Embassy since the pandemic began. END

One of the passengers, Mr. Ronnie Cuyangan (second from right), is sent off at the airport by his senior high school students from the Sanaphon School in Vientiane. (Vientiane PE photo)

Consular Assistant Ms. Rhanjyn Camongol (second from right) assists passengers in registering with the OneHealthPass Portal. (Vientiane PE photo)

Passengers arrive at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos. (Vientiane PE photo)

Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Rapunzel Acop waves goodbye to departing passengers at the boarding gate. (Vientiane PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.vientianepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/vientianepe/