DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
P R E S S  R E L E A S E
www.dfa.gov.ph                                                 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines                                               Tel. No. 834-4000 

SFA-AGR-510-05                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             22  July 2005

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN RIYADH ASSISTS IN REPATRIATION OF FILIPINO
WITH MEDICAL CONDITION, FACILITATES PAYMENT OF BENEFITS

 
 22 July 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy has sought the full cooperation and support of the Saudi employer of OFW Ricardo Ruivivar in finally returning to the Philippines on July 18, 2005 to continue his recover from a medical illness.
 
Ambassador Bahnarim A. Guinomla said Mr. Ruivivar was hospitalized in April at the Astoon Hospital in the Eastern Province and medical findings revealed that he had cerebral hemorrhage, right-sided hemiplegia and hypertension.    After months of treatment, the hospital issued a Fit to Travel Certificate to Mr. Ruivivar.
 
Ambassador Guinomla said he was informed that support for Mr. Ruivivar came from his employer, Mr. Khalid Al-Jabri, who paid no less than SR180,000 (USD48,000) in hospital expenses alone.
 
In addition, Mr. Khalid requested Dr. Inaz Ahmad Sultan, attending physician, and a Filipino nurse, Ms. Mary Ann Lapanlele, to accompany Mr. Ruivivar on his flight to Manila and endorse him to Philippine medical authorities upon their arrival.
 
Airport assistance was extended to Mr. Ruivivar in Manila providing a fully equipped ambulance, a doctor and a portable ventilator, Ambassador Guinomla reported.
 
Mr. Ruivivar hails from Ligao, Bicol and worked for Al Jabri Transport for nine years until encountering health problems due to prolonged untreated hypertension.
 
Ambassador Guinomla also reported that Philippine Embassy Welfare Officer Danilo Flores received from Mr. Khalid Al Sheemi, finance officer of Al Jabri Transport, the end-of-service benefits and cash gift of Mr. Ruivivar, which was negotiated by Mr. Flores with the employer. The amount was immediately sent to Mr. Ruivivar in Manila.
 
In recognition of his assistance and generosity, Ambassador Guinomla wrote a letter to Mr. Khalid citing him for his compassion in helping Mr. Ruivivar in his medical expenses and his trip back home. END
 
 
 

/bjg