BOCAUE, Bulacan -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun preparations in transforming the Philippine Arena complex into a quarantine facility initially catering to about 440 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients with mild or no symptoms.
DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Healthcare Facilities headed by Undersecretary Emil Sadain visited the complex Monday to inspect the three mega tents offered by Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) arm Maligaya Development Corporation.
Secretary Mark Villar said based on the assessment by Task Force, the existing steel frame and other partition materials in the mega tents have to be modified to ensure that it complies with Department of Health (DOH) standards for health facilities.
“With current power for lighting and air-conditioning supplied by generator set, fixed electrical power with transformer of about 500 kva capacity and augmented water supply are needed in every mega tent,” Villar added.
DPWH Central Luzon will be tapped to extend personnel assistance in the modification works of the quarantine facility at Philippine Arena complex in the soonest time possible.
“The support of private contractors and other partners similar to that provided at PICC, World Trade Center and Rizal Memorial Coliseum would consequently speed up the development of facility at Philippine Arena to meet the needs for urgent health care,” Villar added.
DPWH Task Force and DPWH Region 3 are now preparing the design plan for all development activities at the site and will refer to hospital design specialist Architect Dan Lichauco for comments and approval.
Meanwhile, the INC is also offering its Garden Suites, also part of the Ciudad de Victoria estate in Bulacan, as separate housing facilities for assigned health workers.
Under Republic Act 11469 otherwise known as Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, DPWH has been tasked to assist DOH in the establishment, construction and operation of temporary medical facilities. (PIA-Central Luzon)