OWWA
Responds to SARS Outbreak
(03 April 2003) - Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA) Chief VIRGILIO R. ANGELO today announced the agency's
response to the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS.
"I have instructed our Welfare Officers in Singapore and Hong Kong to
purchase vitamins and safety masks to be distributed to OFWs as a preventive
measure to reduce the risk of acquiring the dreaded disease. With a similar
intent, our OWWA Counter at the NAIA will also be distributing vitamins to
arriving OFWs from said areas," Angelo announced.
OFWs may proceed to the Philippine Labor Offices (POLOs) under the
Embassy/Consulate General in these areas to avail of the free 2-weeks supply
of vitamins and safety masks.
Singapore and Hong Kong with large concentration of OFWs, were
reported to have incidents of SARS cases.
Deputy Administrator and OWWA-Medicare Program Manager Atty.
DELMER R. CRUZ encouraged OWW A-Medicare members and their dependents in the Philippines to avail of the free consultation and
P 500.00 worth of free medicines at the OWWA Clinic or at any OWWA-Medicare accredited hospitals and
clinics nation-wide as additional preventive measure.
Administrator Angelo called on all OFWs and their dependents to be
cautious and safe. "Probably the best weapon against SARS is keeping healthy
through proper food, exercise and vitamins. Rest assured that OWWA and OWW A-Medicare will always be there to assist you," Administrator Angelo
concluded.
|
