Quarantine bureau satellite office in Subic Freeport offers ‘yellow cards’

An employee of the Bureau of Quarantine in Subic Bay Freeport releases an International Certificate of Vaccination or “yellow card” for international travel. (Photo courtesy of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The Bureau of Quarantine has opened a satellite office inside a mall in this freeport in response to the growing clamor from residents and stakeholders who will travel abroad and need International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) or “yellow cards.”

In a statement Thursday, Sept. 23), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said the BOQ satellite office had been operational since Sept. 10.

“For those in the Subic Bay area who need to travel abroad, you don’t have to go far to get your ICV. All you have to do is apply online and once your application is approved, you can pick up your cards at the BOQ satellite office right here,” said Wilma Eisma, chair and administrator of SBMA.

The ICV or yellow card contains the information on the vaccine administered to an individual before traveling abroad.

Depending on the destination, the mandatory inoculations found on the card include those for yellow fever, typhoid, and now, COVID-19.

It also bears the holder’s passport number aside from vaccination details and is recognized by the World Health Organization.

Karen Ann Vidaya, a senior nurse at the BOQ satellite office here, said they accept applicants who booked their appointment online as part of the bureau’s health and safety protocols.

“However, schedule adjustments can be made for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who already have their flight details,” she added.