How COVID-free Palau responded to the pandemic, as told by an OFW

Less than a two-hour flight away from the Philippines sits the magical place that is Palau.

Dubbed "Pristine Paradise Palau," the country is currently free of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

But that doesn't mean it's spared from the effects of the pandemic.

Lara Ivana Bautista, A Filipina working as an assistant sales and marketing manager in a hotel in Palau, shared what the situation is like in the place she's called home for the past four years.

"Wala talagang flights, kahit mga charter boats, mga private yacht, bawal talagang pumasok sa Palau," Lara said in a GMA Digital Special episode. "Kasi ang objective ng government ng Palau is to parang maging safe 'yung country, so bawal munang magpapasok ng mga flight."

When the alarms were sounded about the spread of the new coronavirus, operations in Palau were halted, and classes were suspended.

Police and state rangers started roving around public places, and officials keep residents updated daily with situation reports.

While there is no lockdown enforced in the country, residents are encouraged to stay indoors.

"Sinasara po nila 'yung recreational places nila like 'yung mga beach or mga dock, kino-close na nila para there is no reason for us to go out," Lara said.

Impact on business

Palau might be COVID-19-free but it is also reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since Palau is a popular tourist destination, many businesses are now suffering from the lack of tourism.

Lara said many Pinoys have been laid off from their jobs.

"Thousands of workers are greatly affected po. Since nagsabi 'yung outbreak, 'yung ibang hotels po or business establishments naglay-off ng mga Filipino workers," she said.

"Ang ginagawa po ng mga businesses para maka-survive, shino-shorten ang operation hours...Of course para din masurvive ang business, cost cutting po talaga ang number one na solution po," she added.

The Filipino Community in Palau, which Lara said is the largest expact community there, is also helping each other through these tough times.

"Nagkaroon po sila ng relief program last April 27. So, binigyan po nila, prinioritize po nila 'yung mga unemployed and then those who are affected sa work and time adjustments nila," Lara said.

Now, Lara is wishing she could be home in the Philippines to help her family — her parents are senior citizens, and her sibling is a minor.

"So nagkakaroon po (sila) ng challenge most especially po sa pagbili po ng kailangan nila sa labas," she said.

"Iniisip ko gusto ko na talagang umuwi kaso lang wala talagang flight. Siyempre kung andun ako, mas madali ‘yung mga errands," she added.

But at the very least, her family can rest easy knowing she is safe in Palau.

Lara said, "Wag po kayong magalala dito sa aming mga Pilipino sa Palau. Safe naman po kami dito. COVID-19 free dito sa Palau. Ang gusto lang po namin ipahatid sa inyo na mga pamilya, relatives, and mga kaibigan namin na parati kayong mag-iingat, and magdasal lang po tayo. Malalagpasan po natin ito."

—JCB, GMA News