MANILA-Vice
President Jejomar C. Binay on Wednesday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning
from Ebola-stricken countries to be patient as they undergo quarantine
procedures to prevent the entry of the deadly virus in the country.
“I
ask for the patience and understanding of our OFWs as they undergo Ebola
screening procedures. This is for the protection of their own families,” Binay,
the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said.
“Quarantine
is a necessary measure to ensure that the Ebola virus does not reach our
shores. We have to err on the side of caution,” he added.
The
Philippine government recently implemented a 21-day screening for Filipinos in
Ebola-hit countries in West Africa before they would be allowed to travel to
back to the country.
The
Vice President noted that as one of the world's leading labor-exporting countries,
the Philippines is more vulnerable to a massive outbreak of the Ebola virus.
He
said that tight screening and surveillance of all ports of entry is key in
ensuring that the virus does not enter the country.
“The
DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) is a key player here and
must be on top of this,” the Vice President said.
“At
the same time, we need to roll out an intensive information campaign that will
educate the public on what the disease is, its symptoms, and how to prevent and
contain its spread,” he added.
“We
also need to identify the hospitals with capability to stabilize and treat
Ebola patients they are identified as suspected of being infected. Isolation
facilities, trained personnel and required equipment must be all available at
these hospitals,” he further said.
Meanwhile,
Binay assured OFWs returning from Ebola-hit countries of the government’s
assistance as they look for employment elsewhere.
“We
will also provide them with training and livelihood assistance should they
decide to remain in the country,” he said.
