Teachers Camp to serve as isolation compound for returning Baguio OFW

BAGUIO CITY –– Migrant workers returning home to the summer capital will be quarantined at Teachers Camp, which has reserved 129 beds for them beginning Thursday (April 16).

City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña and City Health Officer Rowena Galpo worked out the details with the Department of Education on Wednesday (April 15), according to the city public information office.

Details have not been released as to how many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are expected to stay at what is arguably Baguio’s oldest and most historic facility.

A national heritage site, the camp was established in 1908 as a training ground for teachers when the American colonial government organized the country’s public school system.

It also served briefly as the home of the Philippine Military Academy until the start of the second world war.

The Teachers Camp continues to host teachers assemblies and conventions, but all activities there were canceled when Malacañang enforced a Luzon-wide quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Because the quarantine has been extended, Baguio would retain tight border restrictions that would screen returning OFWs, according to an April 13 directive issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

“Upon arrival, all repatriated OFWs must submit health declaration forms and present proof that they are residents of Baguio,” the order states.

The OFWs would be directed to triage units set around the city so doctors can determine if they would be isolated at home, a quarantine facility like Teachers Camp, or a hospital should they turn out to have COVID-19.

OFWs who test negative for the virus would still be required to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

LZB