MAGSAYSAY, in coordination with Princess Cruises, DOH, and OWWA, conducted an orientation with the family of crew members of the Diamond Princess expected to be repatriated after the conclusion of the 14-day guest quarantine period imposed by the Japanese Ministry of Health.

The families were invited to a gathering to ensure they receive firsthand information from the Executives from Magsaysay, Princess Cruises, DOH, and OWWA. The orientation included a presentation from the DOH on COVID-19 prevention and reintegration program presented by the OWWA.

The families were also debriefed on the discussed logistics plan of the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), led by the DOH, collaborating on the disembarkation and repatriation of the crew members, once cleared by the Japanese Ministry of Health. The orientation also served as a venue for the families to consult and discuss their issues and concerns on the employment status and repatriation of their loved ones. The questions were clearly addressed by the representatives from Magsaysay, Princess Cruises, DOH, and OWWA.

The family orientation was live-streamed to regional branches of Magsaysay in the Visayas and Mindanao where families from the provinces similarly gathered.

As advised by the DOH, all the crew members will be staying for 14 days in a quarantine facility identified by the Inter Agency Task Force to ensure Filipino crew members are free of the virus before rejoining their families.

All crew members will be fully compensated during the quarantine period and that they will receive two months of paid time off after release from quarantine per Princess Cruises. In addition, all expenses for the quarantine, their repatriation, and stay at the quarantine facility are covered in full.