BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia announced that the City is finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the latter to construct two sets of quarantine facilities to supplement bed capacity for indigent COVID positive patients who do not need hospital care so that hospitals will have more room to accommodate the more critically ill patients, a press release from the Bacolod City PIO said.
This facility, costing a total of P25 million or P12.5 million per set, will be provided by the DPWH in answer to the appeal of Leonardia for more quarantine facilities in the City for indigent patients.
Leonardia, the press release said, 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.
According to Delfinado, the DPWH will handle the emergency procurement and construction of the two sets of quarantine facilities.
Each set is a one-storey container van-type of structure with 16 isolation rooms, each with its own comfort room. Each set also comes with a nurses’ station, a utility room, and quarters for medical personnel on duty.
Thus, Leonardia said, the project will provide an additional 32 isolation rooms for COVID- positive patients. “This is a most welcome help from the national government, and the City is deeply grateful for it,” Leonardia further added.
The project will be placed at the City’s property at Alijis village now used as a plant nursery of the City Agriculture Office.
Leonardia intends to present soon the MOA for approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod after review by the City Legal Office. Once approved, construction can start in August. DPWH targets completion in only two months considering that it will be using pre-fabricated components.*/CITY PIO
