Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) — The Department of Tourism has helped identify over 10,000 hotel rooms for returning overseas Filipino workers who are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Bengzon said the department has secured hotels in Metro Manila and its outskirts, including those from Regions 3 and 4, that can provide lodging to OFWs upon arrival in the country. These hotels range from five-star to one-star properties, he added.
“I think it’s also important to take note that all of the hotels we’ve identified and recommended have to be checked also by the DOH and Bureau of Quarantine to make sure that they meet certain minimum requirements,” he said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
Aside from the homebound OFWs, the department also identified facilities for those working in other fields like business process outsourcing companies, banks, and medical facilities.
According to DOT, the costs of the accommodation may be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, other national government agencies, the OFWs’ recruiting agencies, or the OFWs themselves, as may be applicable.
Bengzon said most of the rooms they have arranged are now being occupied, and that some hotels have offered accommodation free of charge.
This was announced by DOT Undersecretary and Spokesperson Benito Bengzon on Thursday.
