The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Friday, Jan. 15 turned over to the city government here health care facilities that will boost response against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The facilities built in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district include a 16-room quarantine/isolation facility for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and another 16-room off-site dormitory for medical workers.
The project is modular or container-type with individual rooms, comfort rooms, and air-conditioning units. Each room is also provided with a bed.
The isolation facility has a nurse station, male and female nurse room with comfort room, water tank, generator and transformer, sanitation area, and septic tank.
It also has dining, living, laundry, kitchen, and sanitation areas as well as water and septic tanks.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who accepted the facilities on behalf of the city, advised the City COVID-19 Team to immediately transfer the 12 positive cases being quarantined at the Jaro National High School (JNHS).
“I think these facilities are even better than the facilities that we presently have,” he said.
The mayor also expressed appreciation to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of the national Inter-Agency Task Force for the “very, very nice facilities”.
Engineer Al Fruto, DPWH Western Visayas assistant regional director, said the accomplishment is the result of their collaboration to fight COVID-19.
The project he said will not be realized if there is no strong partnership between the national and local governments.
“It will not be only for potential patients but also health care workers,” he said.
DPWH, through a P297.5 million fund from its quick response fund (QRF), will establish 24 projects as part of its COVID-19 response in selected LGUs in the region.
The site for the projects is provided by local government units.Perla Lena/PNA
Photo by Arnold Almacen
