MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued an advisory stating that recruitment agencies cannot require overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during their departure trips.
According to a statement released on Saturday, the POEA acted on the directive of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople after she was notified by a manning agency that their Japanese principals still required OFWs to wear PPEs.
“[POEA] has not issued nor implemented rules and guidelines mandating the use of [PPE] by [OFWs], whether in Philippine airports or in the countries of destination,” the advisory read.
“Until otherwise recommended by our health officials, the POEA advisory against mandatory wearing of PPEs for our OFWs by their respective recruitment and manning agencies shall remain in force,” Ople said.
She explained that the DMW believes that wearing face masks and being vaccinated with booster shots is enough protection for OFWs.
Ople said that the PPEs caused unnecessary discomfort, whereas countries like the United States of America and Taiwan have already relaxed their health protocols.
“Asking our OFWs to wear PPEs at this time is like asking surfers to wear ballgowns – it’s cumbersome, awkward and extremely peculiar. In short, OA na masyado,” Ople said.
This advisory came after Sen. Pia Cayetano questioned the wearing of PPEs in a plenary session on Wednesday.
“Here we have our OFWs naka-(in) full PPE, with face shields, footsies, and gloves. It’s ridiculous, your honors. I feel so bad for them because it is not comfortable wearing those,” said Cayetano.
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