A BRAND new quarantine facility exclusively for use of Central Luzon policemen infected by coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was turned over to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon Friday, April 23.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar and PRO-Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon led the inauguration and inspection of the newly-completed facility constructed by the DPWH-Pampanga 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) headed by District Engineer Almer C. Miranda.
Villar said the facility is a two-story modular-type building with 32 isolated bedrooms -- each with own comfort rooms -- and two units of nurses' and doctors' quarters.
Through the facility, infected patients can be immediately isolated and monitored properly, and at the same time prevent the spread of virus among patients' families and their communities, said Villar.
"We know that policemen are one of those at risk for Covid-19 infection due to their service to public and this quarantine facility is just one way of showing our gratitude for your sacrifices," he added.
According to DPWH-Central Luzon Director Roseller Tolentino, P25,435,426.58 was allocated for the said project, which is expected to benefit hundreds of policemen who also act as frontliners in the fight against Covid-19.
De Leon, for his part, expressed gratitude to Villar for his support to the regional police especially amid the pandemic.
"Currently, we have 166 active Covid-19 cases and we can only imagine where can we fit them all for isolation but with the formal opening of this quarantine facility, we do not have to worry anymore," the PRO-Central Luzon chief said.
Aside from the quarantine facility, Villar also inspected other infrastructure projects being constructed inside the police camp through DPWH.
This includes the construction of 500 lineal-meter access road made of portland cement concrete pavement with drainage flume.
The project, which has a funding of P23 million, is already on 75 percent completion and is targeted to be finished by June this year.
The infrastructure is seen to impact not only to the community within the police camp, but also to the general public with significant reduction in the travel time to facilitate effective and credible police service and speedy response when needed.
"The project will increase the capacity of the road section in the area, which in effect will facilitate the smooth exchange and transport from and to the other government agencies and will be part of the plan to support local businesses in the area," said Villar.
Three buildings, namely, the Rektang Konek-Aksyon Agad, Regional Headquarters Support Unit, and Regional Barracks Building, are also being renovated by DPWH with a total funding of P68.712 million.
"The reconstruction of existing building facilities will improve the overall condition of the headquarters, ensure safety and security, and create a conducive working environment for the PNP personnel and other occupants," Villar said.