Manila: Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for their support of Filipino crew members aboard the hantavirus-hit MV Hondius.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac commended the strong coordination with the Dutch government upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 late Sunday afternoon. He emphasized the importance of the assistance provided during this critical time for the seafarers and highlighted the mutual support between the two countries.
Cacdac reported visiting Filipino seafarers undergoing quarantine in the Netherlands, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance labor diplomacy with countries hosting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Out of the 38 Filipino crew members on MV Hondius, 21 are under quarantine and monitoring in Amsterdam, while the remainder were tested and quarantined upon arriving in Rotterdam on May 18. Fortunately, all crew members tested negative for hantavirus and are symptom-free, he noted.
Stringent health protocols are being enforced during the 42-day quarantine period for the crew, which concludes on June 18. The Department of Health has previously stated that the 42-day quarantine for potential hantavirus exposure aligns with the virus' incubation period, during which symptoms can emerge between four and 42 days post-exposure.
Cacdac also highlighted the close collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs to safeguard the welfare of OFWs under a whole-of-government approach. Meanwhile, as of May 24, the Department of Migrant Workers reported that 10,129 OFWs, along with their dependents and stranded Filipinos, have been repatriated amid tensions in the Middle East.
In response to President Marcos' directive, the government has extended financial and emergency assistance to 34,188 OFWs and other impacted Filipinos. Overall, the Department of Migrant Workers stated that the government has delivered 70,148 on-site services, encompassing food, transport, shelter, and medical aid, alongside other forms of assistance and welfare support.
