3. My warmest greetings and congratulations to the officers and staff of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)
on the publication of your accomplishments, especially your pivotal role in the country's fight against
COVID-19.
The Bureau of Quarantine has always been on the forefront of defending the Nation against threats of
emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. Your service, to continually ensure that all borders are
well-protected and equipped with the most sophisticated devices and technologies to thwart any inva-
sion of infection, is an admirable feat.
We recognize your brave frontline health care workers , who take fear and uncertainty aside and put
country and their fellowmen first-true modern day heroes! As an important ally in safeguarding the
health of all Filipinos, the Department of Health greatly appreciates the sacrifices and dedication of the
Bureau of Quarantine. Let us continue to work together and save lives. Together, we can beat
covio-19.
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
4. The start of the new decade has been very challenging yet notable because of COVID-19. Arguably, beyond
2020, we will be facing the challenge of responding effectively to an ever-unraveling crisis with many unknowns.
The BOQ, given the mandate to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, emerging diseases,
and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC) into the Philippines, has risen to the COVID-19
challenge.
BOQ has relentlessly performed its duty to examine various ports of entry and exit in the country, despite the
challenge of insufficient human resources. lt has also been keen on performing surveillance functions over our
returning overseas Filipinos. lt also continuously inspects quarantine and isolation facilities to ensure that they
abide by the health standards and are suitable and livable to those undergoing quarantine and isolation. This
is very important especially now that we are shifting towards a quarantine or isolation first approach.
The pandemic exacerbated the weaknesses of public health systems. Hence, this is a prime opportunity for us
to transform our health response. I hope covio-19 opens the channels for the BOQ to assist in ensuring an ac-
curate, sensitive, and timely surveillance system in accordance with the Universal Health Care Act and
Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
While the full impact of the pandemic will not be immediately known, it is expected to permanently affect
international traffic and trade. In the wake of COVID-19, I place confidence in BOQ that it will continuously
contribute to reinforcing evidence-informed control measures consistent with the International Health
Regulations (2005) and in strengthening core surveillance capacities at ports of entry and exit.
BOQ has indeed played a key role in responding against COVID-19. And for that, lwould like to thank the whole
BOQ family for their staunch commitment, unwavering hard work, and noble sacrifice. At the same time, I ea-
gerly look forward to a strong healthcare system cultivated by BOQ that works to identify and contain public
health events before they spread. Together, let us all BIDA (be the) solution.
MARIA ROSARIO SINGH-VERGEIRE
MD, MPH, CESO IV
OIC-Undersecretary of Health
Health Regulations Team
5. As we battle through this pandemic, we saw how various government agencies pooled its efforts and resources
together, to ably, and decisively respond to the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 virus.
The emerging infectious disease is a crisis of staggering proportion, which resulted to economic decline and lo-
gistic concerns affecting global trade. The Philippines has suffered a great loss, with its citizens bearing a fair
share of the burden and suffering, as the virus continues to proliferate.
At the onset of the discovery of the first case in the Philippines, it was the Bureau of Quarantine (Boo) who first
responded, by ensuring the health security of passengers at point of entry through its surveillance capability and
control measures. With its comprehensive national sanitation programs in both seaports and airports, its has
manage to support the efforts of the transportation sector in preventing further community transmission through
these channels. Awell meaning collaboration among government agencies was likewise noted, with BOQ joining
the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for the management of returning Overseas Filipinos.
We would have not reached this number without the much needed assistance from the BOQ. Aside from our
medical workers in various hospitals and quarantine facilities, BOQ personnel are our modern day heroes, along
with other frontliners who chose to serve the public during this time of the pandemic.
The OSS primarily composed of sectoral and attached agencies of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The
operations later expanded and involved more government agencies from various departments, which helped
oversee and manage the repatriation of stranded Filipinos abroad. Evidently, with the consolidated efforts of
public and private sectors, 281, 924 OFWs and 57, 289 non-OFWs were assisted as of October 19, 2020
On behalf of the men and women of the OTS, I would like to commend and thank the BOO for lending its stead-
fast support to the OSS, and the government as a whole. May it's leadership and personnel continue to stay
strong and safe, as they battle for the country's recovery.
USEC. RAUL DEL ROSARIO
Administrator
Office for Transportation Security
6. The Bureau of Quarantine has faced numerous outbreaks and pandemics for the past 120 years since its es-
tablishment. So far, the onslaught of COVID-19 has been the most challenging.For more than a year now, it has
drastically changed the way people live, as we face daily life with fear for our health and safety.
Our fight is far from over. As I look back to what we have encountered and accomplished after a year of battling
COVID, I could never been more proud of everyone in the bureau who has shown exemplary dedication to
work, and bravery to the point of sacrificing personal safety and that of their families.
Since the beginning of this global health emergency, BOQ has continuously guarded the country's borders to
prevent the entry of the dreaded virus. Sadly, as COVID-19 spread all over the world, the Philippines was not
spared. Still, the men and women of BOQ marched on and relentlessly performed its mandate to control the
entry of infectious diseases through intensified screening procedures in all seaports and airports, and establish-
ing strict surveillance protocols for Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs).
As we continue to wage war against COVID-19, I Know that no amount of fear, exhaustion, or threat will be
enough to wane our drive to fulfill our duties in the name of public service. I humbly thank all of you for the
unwavering dedication to achieve our common goal of soon putting an end to this pandemic.
Dr. Ferdinand S. Salcedo MPH, CESO IV
7
Director IV
Bureau of Quarantine
7.
8.
9. F/?X§iV EM}§E2@0N@ @w
@E§P@M§E @F @zeA@ @F CQ)
B
@@/2K@
IMTIWE
RA
All arriving passengers pass through thermal scanners as they enter airport terminals for passive temperature checking
I l l lllllllllllll.III
The Bureau of Quarantine is considered one of the oldest govern-
ment agencies, and a first class line bureau in the Philippines mandated
to ensure the health security of the country by preventing the entry or im-
portation of infectious microbial threats since 1901_
The Bureau of Quarantine holds office at main points of entry all over
the country. At present, BOQ stations are located in 14 major seaports
and 8 international airports, while sub-stations are in 13 and 3 minor sea-
ports and airports, respectively.
3
With stations strategically positioned at national gateways, the bureau
has always been at the forefront of global public health concerns and
emergencies. The threat of importing microbial diseases through continu-
ous human migration, travel and trade has been kept in check by
well-trained quarantine personnel manning our borders, and delivery of
effective surveillance and control measures against infectious diseases
and other health concerns. _
F
L
2003 2012
2014 2019 2020
Ebola Virus Disease Polio Coronavirus Disease
COVid-19
Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome
SARS
Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus
MERS-COV
1
.|
10. The bureau has weathered a storm of outbreaks since time immemorial. In the the be-
ginning of the 21st century, we have triumphed over Severe Acute Respiratory Syn-
drome or SARS-COV (2003), followed by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coro-
navirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, and Ebola Virus Disease in 2014.
In 2019, we maintained our vigilance with the alarming increase in number of cases
of Ebola virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While at the home front,
surveillance and control measures were established to counter the re-emergence of the
Polio virus and the looming threats of Dengue Fever and Measles. Unknowingly, all
these were just a prelude to a much bigger challenge.
BOC? personnel checks the health declaration forms of arriving passengers
11. @f?'E (IQ) @o@@]m@] Z@m@
A @ M7@z?l7@uzl ZMU§§l7@0i) @@ Wa4lZ?u@0i), @Zb.vUov@
By February 2020, the novel coronavirus had spread to over 100 countries. More than 20,000 serious cases of novel coronavirus and 800 plus deaths were recorded
in Hubei province alone. Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak and the capital of Hubei, was in Lockdown since January 23, 2020. The situation had trapped hundreds
of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Wuhan, and some expressed desire to go home. This prompted the government to immediately expedite their repatriation.
On February 8, 2020, the Department of Health sent its first repatriation team for a mercy mission to Wuhan, together with 5 representatives from the Department
of Foreign Affairs. The five-man team of healthcare workers from DOH was led by Dr. Neptali Labasan, BOO Medical Officer v. Upon arrival, Doc Nep and the team
thoroughly screened all the OFW repatriates. Only those who did not present fever or any respiratory symptoms were given clearance to board the plane. Throughout
the flight and until they arrived back into the country, continuous temperature monitoring and medical assessment were done to ensure the safety and well-being of the
repatriated OFWs.
The following day, Feb 9, 32 Filipino repatriates arrived at Clark International Airport, Pampanga. Together with the repatriation team, they were brought to Athletes'
Village in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac to observe the 14 days mandatory quarantine period.
12. i
e
A §2@@@um@ @in @
Tl}U@ JW @L7@0un@0i)(d7WWWcess es@@0@ ZM1Z1§§Z1@u@
Barely 2 months since the outbreak in China started, COVID-19 took the whole world by surprise with its sudden and massive spread resulting in an unprecedented
global crisis. Every nation tried to close its borders to prevent and control the entry of the virus and scrambled to bring home their people who were stranded in other
countries.
Then came the MV Diamond Princess cruise ship outbreak. The ship left the Yokohama port in Japan on January 20, 2020 for a 16- day cruise, sailing to Hongkong,
Vietnam, Taiwan and Naha, Japan. On February 1st, the captain received information from the Hongkong government that a passenger who disembarked on January
25 had been tested positive for COVID-19. The said Hongkong national had been experiencing respiratory symptoms a day prior to boarding the cruise ship. With a
high possibility of an outbreak, the entire ship was placed in quarantine with its 3700 passengers and crew members upon arrival in Yokohama port.
Among its crew 538 were Overseas Filipino workers. Later 59 of which tested positive for the virus. The Philippine government immediately planned for the repatria-
tion of the remaining 400 plus OFWs who were negative for the infection. Hence, on Feb 22, 2020 a team led by Dr. Ramon Barlisan, BOO Medical Officer IV, boarded
PR 422 bound for Japan for the MV Diamond Princess repatriation mission. Together with Dr. Barlisan were doctors and nurses from the Department of Health, repre-
sentatives from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
13. The medical team faced a lot of challenges and required days of intensive plan
ring, training and preparation to ensure the safe extraction of a large group of repatri
ates as well as all the members of the repatriation team. On February 25, the medical
team headed to Yokohama port where MV Diamond Princess was docked, donned
their personal protective equipments (PPEs) under the sweltering mid-morning heat
and began methodically screening the Filipino repatriates. Regular temperature
monitoring and medical assessment for respiratory symptoms were conducted to all
passengers throughout the flight back home
It was another successful and historic repatriation mission. Following strin
gent safety protocols, the medical team survived 12 grueling hours, wearing
thick layers of PPEs and almost 24 hours of no bathroom breaks, food or even
water, and completing the mission to safely bring home our Filipino seafarers
Their sacrifice and dedication were indeed commendable and pure act of hero
lsm
It was almost midnight when the 2 Philippine Airlines aircrafts landed at Clark
International Airport carrying the repatriation team and the 445 OFWs. They
were then immediately brought to New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac for the man
datary 14 days quarantine
14. §@w0m@ K0m@m@§§ um blUr@ M0(é]§"Cl @{l @@@@@F
@@W@oi/@ @@@@9w0M7 T @ @ @ 0 @ @ @@1}®l?@0zm"§ RuseAwe;
The Russian Embassy in Manila thanked the Philippine government for its swift and decisive actions that
saved the life of Capt. Alexander Solodyannikov of M/T Asphalt Transporter. The vessel was on the way to Aus
tralia, when the Captain de eloped respiratory signs and symptoms
They tried to asked the help of nearby countries but unfortunately no country would allow them to enter be
cause of the different Covid-19 lockdown and protocols implemented by each countries
Bureau of Quarantine Preparing for the arrival of the medivac Russian Captain
headed by QMO Dr Wilson Lim and boarding officer Crisnard Zerudo
I On the way to M?TAsphait Transporter for the medical evacuation activity
oxonmsnnlo
15. MN @h@m§ £pH@H@@
a Panama flag vessel carrying 21 all Filipino crew who depart-
ed from India on April 22, 2021 and arrived in Haiphong, Vietnam
on May 1 where RT-PCR was done. Out of21 crew members, 12
are reported to be infected with Covid-19 infection and 2 of them
are said to be suffering from moderate to severe signs of infec-
tion.
f CAUTIOn
PIEREND
LIFE SUPPORT
"LANCE
1 5I0uTUUNF
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16. The Bureau of Quarantine with the help of Philippine Coast Guard boarded the vessel in the early evening of May 5, 2021 and assessed the medical condition of
the Filipino crew members. 12 of the positive crew was evacuated and 2 of them are in critical condition and immediately brought to a nearby private hospital. The re-
maining 10 positive crew was asymptomatic and was isolated in a Quarantine hotel manned by the Bureau of Quarantine in Manila. The nine crew who were negative
remained in the ship awaiting for their crew change and disinfection of the whole vessel was done.
Of the 12 positive crew, 9 of them tested for the new covid-19 variant
B.1.617.2 upon genome sequencing and 2 of them was also transferred to a
hospital due to worsening of signs and symptoms. 1 of them died because of
severe Covid-19 infection
"L"
The remaining 9 negative crew left in the vessel was disembarked and also
quarantined in the same hotel and swabbed and 2 of them turned out to be
covid-19 positive
H
aannauaw
The M/V Athens Bridge was cleared and allowed to depart to Vietnam after com
pleting all the required quarantine protocols last May 19, 2021
17. IF@IKilF M/?X@€-3/Nfé@i/FXY?
The Chinese donated facility for drug dependent, Drug Abuse and Treatment
rehabilitation Center (DATRC) located inside Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva
Ecijaopened a 400 bed capacity Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility
that is managed by the Bureau of Quarantine and DOH Region 3 to help the
noted increase in the number of covid19 infection in NCR and returning overseas
Filipinos
18. Department of Health (DCH)
Secretary Francisco Duque III
chair of the Inter-Agency Task
Force for the Management of
Emerging Infectious Diseases
(IATF-EID), Chief Implementer
of the National Policy Against
Covid-19, Secretary Carlito
Galvez Jr., Deputy Chief lmple
menter and Testing Czar Secre
tary Vince Dizon, and Health
Undersecretary and Treatment
Czar Leopoldo Vega inspected
the facility
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20. Finally after 14 Days of isolation OFW's received their Certificate of Recovery
(CAN
After receiving their certificate, 0FW's celebration ending their long journey on Covid-19
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The mass repatriation of our OFWs inevitably contributed to the sudden surge in the the number
of COVID-19 positive cases in the country. To decongest our already crowded government reference
hospitals, stringent isolation facilities were put up to accommodate asymptomatic patients and those
with mild presentation. The government, together with private organizations established the
so-called Mega Ligtas COVID Centers, also known as the Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Fa
cilities (TTMFs), which are non-hospital facilities for COVID patients. One of these facilities is the We
Heal as One Center - Philippine Arena, in Bocaue, Bulacan
On April 29, 2020, the Philippine Arena officially opened its doors as a COVID-19 healing facility for
returning overseas Filipino workers. The center has a bed capacity of 330, distributed in 3 isolation
tents. Dr. Roberto M. Salvador, BOQ Deputy Director, spearheaded its operation together with Dr
Richard Young Chan, BDQ medical officer, and the bureau's nurses and disinfection team. Medical
personnel from DOH and representatives from the Philippine National Police who stood as marshals
were also part of the entire dedicated team who oversaw the day to day monitoring of all the patients
quarantined in the healing center
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48. "Becoming one of the first few who became infected by
Covid-19, it was a psychologically stressful experience be-
cause of not knowing how my condition would progress in the
next few days. But I am thankful to all the BOQ Doctors,
Nurses, and Staff who regularly checkedonmy conditionand
assisted me until my recovery. My experience gave me m0re
determination to continue helping our country in this time of
pandemic."
@@ EMPL@YEE§
@@VH@ E§®n§@0En@E
/
Raphael Roxas, Nurse I assigned in Pasig Rosal last
March 2020
After a year of managing to steer away from COVID-19, I tested positive last March
16, 2021. The Office immediately provided a facility where I spent my quarantine
period, where I was taken care of by Keith, Joseph,and Dr. Alonzo. However, fate had
other plans. After six days, I was transferred to the hospital for further management.
Aside from COVID-19 symptoms, Iexperienced anxiety during the long days of hos-
pital confinement. The fear of what may happen never left my mind. The hospital was
quiet amidst the buzzing of medical equipment, but my mind is racing with thoughts of
what could happen to me. During those days of disquiet and nights of fear, the calm-
ing presence was my constant communication with my family and BOQ friends. My
experience with COVID made me see the reality of the hardship of our healthcare
workers and the condition that they are facing amidst this pandemic. I will be forever
indebted to our healthcare workers, and they deserve our utmost respect and acco-
Iade.
"At the height of my covid symptoms... melon m a friends/ kakilala no nag
txt/phone consult.. kahit masama na pakiramdam ko.. sige pa rin.. nag en-
tertain ako fig consultations (gratis Iahat) .. quasi naisip ko.. pag nakita ni
LORD no ang dami ko pa pinagsisilbihan.. hindi pa n a ako kuku fin. WE
HAVE AN AMAZING GOD"
Ms. Laarni Livanag, (DESIGNATION) Dr. Maningning Ruanto, MO III, NAIA Terminal 3
