BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong appealed to residents of Padre Burgos to understand the need to use the former Sto. Niño hospital as a Covid-19 facility.
“This is about saving the City of Baguio, look at the big picture please, I will never sacrifice any one ... I am willing to die for you people. Now is the time we have to have one single stand and I am appealing to everyone,” he said as residents expressed fear on the use of the former hospital as a containment facility.
On Friday morning, March 27, Magalong led a dialog with residents, the local health department and barangay officials who listened to residents asking for cooperation and understanding.
Magalong said residents feel they are endangered.
“We simply have to understand them and give them an assurance that we will not compromise safety,” Magalong added.
The chief executive said no other viable option is seen as the former hospital is presented to be best solution to achieve the need to have a facility dedicated to Covid-19 patients.
Magalong underscored the safety of health heath workers, patients and residents who will benefit if the facility is utilized and reminded all on the magnitude of infection the city may experience if it is not used.
“Am I sacrificing your lives? [to P. Burgos residents], I will not compromise it. Kaya nga may standards tayo na susundin, there is three week preparation, Nag uusap na mga doctor at experts para malaman ang sistema na gagawin dito,” Magalong further added.
Magalong said a third party will be called to evaluate the facility and its safeguards before any Covid-19 patients are taken in and if all plans push through, operation is seen in three weeks.
The mayor said Saint Louis University hospital of the Sacred Heart will take charge of the operations to declog work from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
“Doctors are meeting everyday gumagawa na sila structure, SLU will manage the facility as our BGH is very occupied, medical aspects are now being arranged and we will also bring in Infectious disease experts,” he claimed.
Magalong admitted the city can use emergency powers to take over the hospital but said he is asking for the opinion of residents.
“Bakit ko iinvoke kung kaya naman natin kausapin, kaya ko naman gamitan ng pwersa but is it not better if we have community approval, everybody [today] was able to speak up and convey their sentiments. If you look at their insights it is about how safe they are, so we are addressing that,” added Magalong.
Residents were divided in their stand with some willing to have the facility be used as long as security and health protocols are to be used.
Some residents suggested to use the PFVR gym, CAP Convention Center, the SM parking lot as well as open gym of schools instead of the former hospital.
Magalong likewise assured no schools will open until the last Covid–19 patient is cleared and the facility is decontaminated and sanitized allying fears of residents.
Owners of the hospital have responded to the city’s call to use the facility and have given it free of charge in a bid to help contain the spread of Covid 19 in the city.