FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army continues its efforts in assisting and accommodating locally stranded individuals (LSI) at the Philippine Army Wellness Center (PAWC).
Prior to accommodation, each LSI undergoes profiling to assess their pre-existing medical conditions and cultural background. Those who have their non-refunded airline tickets were assessed to identify their destination and their mode of transportation before rapid testing. Individuals who tested positive were transported to different medical facilities such as World Trade Center and Philippine International Convention Center. Stranded individuals residing within National Capital Region were immediately accompanied to their places of residence by Army personnel.
After thorough inspection and disinfection, the LSIs were given hygiene kits, face shields, face masks, and sleeping mats before proceeding to their assigned sleeping areas. Individuals with kids were also given milk and diapers along with their food packs. Persons with disability and pregnant women were transferred to the Army General Hospital to be properly monitored.
Liaisons from different government agencies and airlines such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Local Interior and Local Government, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines were also situated at PAWC to ensure effective coordination between them and the LSIs.
The Army also assists in securing travel requirements for the LSIs such as medical certificate and travel authority. They are also given food packs and food augmentation by the DSWD before being sent off to their respective flight schedules.
As of July 23, 2020, a total of 4,496 LSIs have been accommodated. Of this number, 3,805 individuals have been assisted in going back to their respective provinces. Currently, there are 258 individuals staying at PAWC while 433 are at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
“As we continue to reel in the effects of COVID-19 in our country, the Army will continue to care for the well-being of our stranded countrymen. With the help of different donors and partners, their needs will be prioritized as they await the availability of their flights back home to their families,” said Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay. #