01 September 2021, Vientiane, Laos - The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos successfully repatriated 50 Filipinos today via Myanmar National Airlines flight UB-9905.

Among the passengers were seven children, one pregnant woman, a pet dog and the cremated remains of a Filipino who passed away in Laos last July. 

All the passengers were given tote bags by the Embassy containing face masks, a face shield, hand sanitizer, snacks and even coloring books and crayons for the children. A one-time financial assistance of US$ 200.00 was also given to each adult passenger.

There are around 2,000 registered Filipinos in Laos, a country bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar. Most of the Filipinos in Laos work as teachers. While Laos has only recorded 15,000 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths since the pandemic began, its economy has been severely affected, causing a number of Filipinos to lose their jobs.

Prior to the flight, 13 out of the 50 passengers were already being provided food and lodging by the Embassy.

This is the first repatriation from Laos in 2021, and the second since 2020. A total of 95 Filipinos have been repatriated by the Embassy since the pandemic began.

The 50 passengers from Laos joined 92 Filipinos from Myanmar and Cambodia in the sweeper flight organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Passengers were given tote bags containing face masks, a face shield, hand sanitizer, snacks and a special bag tag. Children also received coloring books and crayons. 

One of the passengers, Mr. Ronnie Cuyangan (second from right), is sent off at the airport by his senior high school students from the Sanaphon School in Vientiane

Consular Assistant Ms. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (second from right) assists passengers in registering with the OneHealthPass Portal

Passengers arrive at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos

Passengers line up at the check-in counter

Chargé d’affaires, a.i. Rapunzel Acop waves goodbye to departing passengers at the boarding gate