Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) Director Roberto Salvador Jr. on Monday confirmed the implementation of the use of One Health Pass for travelers and returning overseas Filipinos beginning September 1.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa mga kababayan natin na uuwi dito sa Pilipinas. Ang purpose po talaga nito is ma-decrease po iyong inconvenience ng mga kababayan nating uuwi dito (This a big help to our fellowmen going home to the Philippines. Its purpose is to reduce the inconvenience they encounter going home),” Salvador said in Laging Handa public briefing.
He said the One Health Pass automates all the processes as travelers can register to OneHealthPass via https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC/.
Aiming for a paperless set of procedures, travelers and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) would need to register from their point of origin on the electronic health declaration checklist only once.
All information would be passed on to concerned government agencies such as Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Tourism, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, and Overseas Shipping Service.
“Magagamit po ito para po continuous na maipasa ang mga impormasyon, magamit po ito hanggang makauwi sila doon po sa LGU [local government unit] nila (The information will be passed on continuously and be used until they get home to their LGU), Salvador said.
He said a two-week trial of the One Hospital Pass has resulted in 80 percent registration compliance from the travelers at their point of origin.
One of the challenges encountered during the trial was the unstable internet connection at the airport, he said.
“So, kaya po humihingi po tayo ng tulong nga po sa DOTr na maibalik po sana iyong internet access natin sa lahat ng paliparan po natin dito sa Pilipinas po (we’re asking help from the Department of Transportation for the resumption of internet access at the airport),” Salvador said.
He said the One Health Pass is user-friendly requesting only for personal details and other information like flight details. (PNA)