PARAÑAQUE CITY, June 18 (PIA) -- The Philippine Embassy in Singapore is now back to its normal operations from its earlier work-from-home work arrangement due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap in his Laging Handa Public Briefing interview on Thursday reported the Philippine Embassy has resumed its passport renewal service last May 28, with the embassy personnel working every Sunday for the month of June in addition to the embassy’s normal working hours to catch up with the passport renewal backlog.
Due to the "circuit breaker" measures that was implemented by the Singapore government, the Philippine embassy suspended its passport renewal service but opted to extend passports of overseas Filipinos for their permits.
“As of June 2, they already lifted the circuit breaker measures. Lockdown has been removed. The situation will be relaxed starting tomorrow (June 19) when more activities will be allowed under the Phase of the re-opening,” Yap said.
It was Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who coined the term circuit breaker that refers to staying at the relative safety of one's home in order to break the chain of transmissions of COVID-19 in the community.
Yap also reported that out of the 150 Filipinos infected with COVID-19, 102 have recovered or been discharged while the remaining 48 are still undergoing treatment in hospitals or isolation wards.
The diplomat said the recovery of the majority of Filipinos afflicted with COVID-19 coincides with the improving situation in Singapore as it moves toward a more relaxed situation under the post-circuit breaker measure.
Meanwhile, Philippine Government agencies based there extended various financial assistance to overseas Filipinos in the country. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Singapore has distributed cash assistance to around 1,436 overseas Filipinos under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) AKAP for OFW program. These are Filipinos who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
According to the Chief of Mission, additional funds has been requested in case of additional application to the program. Amb. Yap added that the Labor Office is still processing applications for the cash assistance.
Aside from DOLE’s AKAP program, relief packs and care packs have been given to displaced and stranded Filipinos, as well as the embassy’s assistance to those who want to return to the Philippines.
“We are ready to help anybody who requires our help,” said Yap “We continue to advise ang mga kababayan natin dito on the latest announcements coming from the SIngapore government on what the procedures they have to follow to remain safe.” He added.
Under the Singapore government's Phase 2, the Ministry of Manpower issued an advisory discouraging domestic workers to go out during their rest days, except to buy essentials.
Money remittance transactions through licensed remittance agents shall be done with appointment to ensure the adherance to safety protocols. (PIA-NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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