CEBU CITY, Philippines --- Six Andrew L Gotianun Center for Integrated Technologies (ALGCIT) scholars on their way to Eastern Samar are left stranded in Cebu due to local lockdowns imposed to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Following the cancellation of exams, ALGCIT started to send its student-dormers home. The six Grade 11 scholars left for Cebu City on March 15 and were expecting to travel through Ormoc City in Leyte and Tacloban City in Eastern Visayas before arriving in Eastern Samar.  

Their trip was cut short when Ormoc City prematurely declared its lockdown and all inter-island transportation was halted. The six scholars were advised to go back to Cagayan de Oro City but found no ferry available. 

They contacted Derbie Frias, their ALGCIT dorm guardian, who found assistance for them under Fr Romel Arce. The priest made arrangements for their board (breakfast only) and lodging. 

The scholars are now housed at the LIVING THE GOSPEL RENEWAL CENTER, 483-C Remedios Compound, Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City. They are left to provide for their lunch and dinner. 

On March 21, the local government of Cebu enacted its 24-hour curfew which mandates all students and senior citizens to remain in their houses as part of the governor’s move to curb the spread of the disease. The scholars initially brought food from outside the center to save money.  

With the curfew in place, the scholars had to pay for their lunch and dinner sold inside the center. They each had to pay Php 125.00 for lunch and Php 100.00 for dinner.

University treasurer Lennie Ong approved their meal budget for three weeks. In addition to breakfast covered by Fr Arce, lunch and dinner is provided to the scholars until April 13, 2020. 

On April 3, Cebu extended its lockdown until April 28. By May, the scholars are preoccupied with securing the requirements which the Coast Guard District of Central Visayas had set for stranded students.

• Quarantine Clearance indicating that they already completed the 14-day quarantine to be issued by BHERTS or City Health Office.
• Medical Certificate issued by City Health Office indicating that they are fit to travel and no symptoms of covid-19.
• Travel Clearance from LGU point of origin.
• Acceptance Letter issued by Provincial Government point of destination.
• Transient Pass or Clearance from LGU port of destination.

The students hope that a signed proof of quarantine for 14 days from their lodging administrator will be accepted by the city health office for a quarantine clearance. They were also able to secure the medical certificate. However, as its validity had lapsed, they need to request again just in time for their departure.

While they have received an acceptance clearance from the governor of their province, they have been rejected by the municipality of Ormoc. This meant that they have to travel on alternative routes such as the ports in Hilongos or Bato in Leyte to reach Eastern Samar.

Xavier Ateneo has taken the initiative to enrol the students in the Department of Transportation's "Hatid Estudyante Program" and Department of Tourism - Central Visayas' travel assistance to stranded tourists/students/workers/non-tourists. They have yet to hear for updates on these programs.

As of May 21, one of the scholars informed ALGCIT administrators that all ports refuse the entry of passengers coming from Cebu. Instead, they were told to complete the requirements first and wait for updates as the COVID-19 pandemic issue develops.

Xavier Ateneo continues to provide the students with meal assistance. Ong assures that the university will support them as necessary given the present circumstances.∎