Calgary, 11 July 2022 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary facilitated today, 11 July 2022, the medical repatriation of Mr. Bernardo Puno, 76-year-old Filipino national from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, who suffered ischemic stroke in November 2020. Mr. Puno was on a tourist visa at the time of his illness and did not have a travel and health insurance to cover his medical expenses.

Confined in a hospital for months, Mr. Puno had to be admitted in a long-term care, rehabilitation, and recovery facility after he was discharged.

Still on a wheelchair, Mr. Puno had to be escorted by his daughter, Berna Puno Galang, and his son-in-law, Robin Galang, who will assist him during his long flight to Manila.

Consul General Zaldy Patron met Mr. Puno and his family at the Calgary International Airport prior to their departure to check on his condition. Mr. and Mrs. Galang thanked the DFA and the PCG for the financial assistance that was given to them which made the repatriation of their father possible.

Consul General Patron said that Mr. Puno was the eight Filipino national that the DFA and PCG have successfully repatriated since 2018. END.