SCORES of Davao residents who were stranded for two months in Clark due to travel restrictions imposed by the government have finally returned home on Monday, May 4.
This was made possible through the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Davao City local government.
The 42 individuals, including returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and local tourists, were transported out of Clark International Airport via a chartered flight.
During their two-month stay in Clark, the 42 individuals were provided free accommodation at The Mansion Hotel in Clark as well as free meals and internet connection, and medical assistance.
"We share the same joy with them, now that they're finally reuniting with their families and loved ones. It was a pleasure to have provided help to our stranded passengers during this difficult time," said Vince Dizon, BCDA President and CEO and newly-appointed Deputy Chief Implementer Against Covid-19.
Upon reaching Davao, the passengers are set to undergo mandatory testing and will be given certification as proof that they have undergone the test, as required by the local government before allowing them access in their respective residences.
The chartered flight has also brought home 40 Luzon residents who were stranded in Davao City.
Upon arrival at the Clark International Airport, they will undergo rapid testing at the We Heal As One Center–ASEAN Convention Center and will stay there as they await the test results.
There are 16 personnel at the quarantine facility who will provide 24/7 medical assistance.
The establishment of We Heal As One Centers in Clark is part of the national government's strategy to "locate (trace and test), isolate, and cure" suspected Covid-19 patients to reduce community spread of the disease and decongest hospitals.
All quarantine centers are air-conditioned, have access to free internet connection, free meals for patients and frontiners, and round-the-clock medical care.
Meanwhile, 143 more stranded passengers remain at The Mansion Hotel in Clark as they await the lifting of the quarantines imposed in their respective destinations.
