Discounted COVID-19 tests available for returning Boholanos

TAGBILARAN CITY -  Boholanos who are returning home can avail of discounted reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, the provincial government of Bohol announced Friday.

This cuts into P1,800 instead of the P3,500 regular cost of RT-PCR test at New World Diagnostics (NWD) in the different testing centers in the country.

This, according to the provincial government, is seen to benefit Boholanos returning home and those traveling within the Philippines or abroad.

The provincial government added that the initiative of Governor Arthur Yap can further help returning Bohol residents and Boholano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Returning Boholanos had complained of the high prices of firms offering PCR tests.

Tests cost about P1,500 to P5,000 per person on average but prices can reach higher.

Maricel Gulay, 39, said she wanted to go home to Duero town but PCR tests could cost a family of four returning from a green list country about P14, 000.

Bohol, a tourist destination, requires a negative RT-PCR and saliva test results.

"The cost of PCR testing can act as a barrier, especially for families who want to travel together," she said.

"We are all affected by the pandemic but the cost of the PCR test further disrupts us," she added.

To avail of discounted tests, travelers must present a valid ID and an airplane ticket to Bohol (for all passengers bound for Bohol); valid ID with proof of Bohol residence (Boholanos who need RT-PCR test); valid ID with proof of Bohol residence and airplane ticket (Boholanos for domestic and international travel).

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Bohol will reimburse P1,000 once a year to all returning residents of Bohol upon presentation at the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) with supporting documents such as Official Receipt of the RT-PCR TEST (from any DOH accredited molecular laboratory), travel ticket, valid ID and proof of residency. -- BAP, GMA News