Mayor Gomez criticizes 'Balik Probinsya' program for poor coordination

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez criticized the national government's 'Balik Probinsya' program for perceived carelessness and lack of coordination amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gomez expressed frustration over the unannounced arrival of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Leyte, stating that agencies like the DILG, NHA, and OWWA did not follow health protocols.

He highlighted that Ormoc City had maintained a COVID-19-free status for over 70 days due to strict border controls and health protocols.

The mayor noted that Leyte mayors, including Alangalang Mayor Lovely Yu, were often informed only an hour before the arrival of OFWs, hindering proper coordination.

The DILG-8, however, assured that returning OFWs were tested, found negative for COVID-19, and had completed their 14-day quarantine.

Despite the lack of coordination, Gomez clarified that local government units are willing to accept returning residents and have prepared isolation facilities.