"NEW NORMAL" GUIDELINES and What to Expect when Arriving in the Philippines (for OFWs, Tourists, Balikbayan)

In an advisory issued by Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) thru the Ninoy Aquino International Airport MIAA Facebook Page, here are the things we need to know when arriving at any of the Philippine Airports. This covers overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), tourists, and Balikbayans. Technically, ALL arriving passengers are covered by this advisory. So, you have to take note of these. Below is the CAB advisory.

Adherence to the guidelines on Arriving passengers

Under the health protocols issued by the Inter-Agency-Task Force on COVID 19 which are currently in force, all passengers arriving in the Philippines are required to undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR test as well as quarantine procedures in approved facilities while awaiting the results of their tests. In line with the procedure, all air carriers are required to inform every passenger traveling to the Philippine of the said requirement and procedure. More specifically, passengers should be informed that payment of the cost of their accommodation in approved quarantine areas will be in accordance with the following: for returning OFWs. The cost of quarantine accommodations shall be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for land-based OFWs, and by the local manning agency and/or Maritime Industry Authorities for sea-based OFWs; for non-OFWs, namely Overseas Filipinos (OFs) returning home, they can choose from among the approved quarantine facilities at their own cost. Passengers will also be encouraged to fill out, prior to arrival in the airport, the Case Investigation Form, which can be downloaded at <http://ritm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-Form-1.pdf>, in order to expedite airport procedures.

Likewise, all disembarking crew members shall undergo the same testing procedure, and observe quarantine protocols while awaiting their test results or departure, whichever comes first.

Below is a copy of the advisory:

In the comments section of the said post, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport MIAA Facebook Page clarified and answered some questions.

ALL arriving passengers are required to go thru the RT-PCR test.

1. For OFWs, PhilHealth will pay. RT-PCR Test cost 3,500. For Non-OFW at their own expense. But if they are a PhilHealth member, they can charge it as long as they have PhilHealth membership number then fill up it to the form for swabbing. Thank you.
2. From NAIA, OFW will be brought to a Govt designated quarantine facility. For non-OFWs, to a hotel of their choice, at their own expense. They will wait for 3-5 days until results come out.
3. If test results is positive, passengers will be pick up by the Bureau of Quarantine who shall assume jurisdiction monitoring them. If test results is negative, Quarantine will issue a certificate stating that person tested NEGATIVE in the PCR test.
4. For those who tested negative and has been issued a certificate, they can leave hotel and go home to their residences.

If you have any concerns, you may contact the following government agencies, as Ninoy Aquino International Airport MIAA FB page also commented:

While we understand your plight, please understand that we are duty-bound to implement government guidelines on inbound flights. We shall, however, refer your concern to higher authorities who are in a position to hear your appeal.

You may refer with your local Philippine Embassy, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP): https://www.facebook.com/caaphilippines
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA):
https://www.facebook.com/dfaphl
and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA):
https://www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
https://www.facebook.com/OWWAQuarantineOps

Thank you.

"New Normal" Guidelines

Meanwhile, last May 6, 2020, they also released a press statement at how Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Manila International Airport Authority adopt to the guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the “new normal” in all international and domestic airports in the country.

The guidelines include:

1. Wearing of face mask when entering the airport facility.
2. Everyone entering the airport complex must submit themselves to mandatory body temperature check.
3. Social distancing measures shall be strictly observed at all queuing points inside and outside the terminal building. When seating, a “one seat apart policy” shall be enforced.
4. With the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) taking the lead, security procedures shall be done through a “no contact means” but not limited to the use of walk through x-ray machines, portable scanners, handheld metal detectors, and the like, effectively limiting pat down or manual frisking to exceptional instances or situations.
5. Only passengers with valid travel documents and confirmed bookings for the day will be allowed to enter the airport facility.
6. Continuous disinfection of all NAIA facilities especially those used for flight operations.
7. Foot baths shall remain in all entry and exit points of passengers and airport personnel, including boarding bridges and/or similar areas for passenger embarkation/disembarkation to and from the aircraft.
8. Safety precaution posters and other health guidelines shall be displayed at noticeable places in the NAIA Terminals.
9. As required by the Bureau of Quarantine, all passengers that are departing and arriving shall be required to electronically fill-out Health Declaration Form and Passenger Locator Forms for straightforward contact tracing.

For the full guidelines, please visit the Facebook Page of Ninoy Aquino International Airport MIAA.

NOTE: This post is for your information only. Please visit the Ninoy Aquino International Airport MIAA FB Page for more updated information.

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