THE Ministry of Public Works in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPW-Barmm) has completed the construction of a P27 million 100-bed capacity coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) isolation facility in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

Architect Eduard Guerra, MPW minister, said the completed project was inaugurated and turned over Wednesday, October 13, to the administration of the Dr. Serapio Montañer, Jr. Al Haj Memorial Hospital (DSBMMH) in Malabang.

Guerra said the construction of the isolation facility was funded by the Office of the Chief Minister of Barmm.

“We devised a strategy with the planning wherein permanent siya pero madaling i-construct. 45-70 days maximum tapos na yung construction,” Guerra said.

He also said the facility was already stocked with bedding sets.

“We hope this will reduce the incidence of the Covid-19,” said DSBMMH Chief Romeo Montañer citing the facility is exactly what they need at the moment.

To date, there are two Barmm-funded isolation centers in Lanao del Sur, three in Maguindanao, two in Basilan, one in Sulu and one in Tawi-Tawi.

In addition, Barmm is currently constructing isolation facilities in Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao and Luuk in Sulu.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bashary Latiph, Barmm health minister, emphasized the necessity of Covid-19 facilities in properly segregating the infected patients.

Latiph also appealed to the Barmm residents to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves from the virus. (SunStar Zamboanga)