THE City Government of Bacolod will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of two quarantine facilities for indigent coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients in the city.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia said they are now finalizing the MOA with the DPWH to supplement bed capacity for indigent Covid-19 patients who do not need hospital care so that hospitals will have more rooms to accommodate the critically ill patients.
The quarantine facility is slated to cost P12.5 million each.
The two quarantine facilities will be constructed at the City’s property in Barangay Alijis, now used as a plant nursery of the City Agriculture Office.
The mayor will also present the MOA to the City Council for its approval and once it will be approved, the DPWH will start the construction in August and is targeted to finish within two months, considering that prefabricated components will be used.
Leonardia said he is grateful to DPWH Regional Director Engr. Lea Delfinado for working out this assistance to the City, with the endorsement of Bacolod Congressman Greg Gasataya.
He said this project will provide an additional 32 isolation rooms for Covid-19 patients.
"This is a most welcome help from the national government and the City is deeply grateful for it,” Leonardia added.
For his part, Delfinado said the DPWH will handle the emergency procurement and construction of the two quarantine facilities.
He said this will be a one-story container van-type structure with 16 isolation rooms, each with its restroom.
Delfinado added each set also comes with a nurses’ station, a utility room and quarters for medical personnel on duty.