The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been allocated an initial funding of P76.17 million for the construction of COVID-19 Healthcare Facilities in the different legislative districts of Region 5.
“A total amount of P302.16 million was requested to fund 36 health facility sites identified by concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with DPWH which is in charge of procurement and implementation”, said Secretary Mark A. Villar.
The initial batch funded from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) cover the cost of construction of 15 quarantine/isolation facilities with 332-bed capacity in Albay 3rd District, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur 2nd to 5th Districts and Masbate 2nd District.
DPWH has completed one (1) unit isolation facility with 40-bed capacity at the Multi-Purpose Building, Goa Central School in Goa, Camarines Sur; one (1) unit quarantine facility with 17-bed capacity at Polangui Central School in Polangui, Albay; and another one (1) unit quarantine facility with 18-bed capacity at Barangay Calzada Infirmary in Guinobatan, Albay.
In addition, the 80-bed capacity healthcare facilities at Jessie M. Robredo Coliseum in Barangay Triangulo, Naga City popularly known as “Ligtas Covid Center” features two (2) swab testing stations and two (2) nurses’ stations. Patients are also provided with individual cubicle, electric fan, and electric outlets in the completed facility.
To ensure quick completion of the ongoing projects, DPWH Region 5 OIC-Assistant Regional Director Gerald A. Pacanan, Regional Maintenance Chief Hazel N. Salimbao, District Engineer Edilberto A. Ativo, and District Engineer Ricardo R. Gutierrez recently inspected the construction sites in Camarines Sur and Albay, as instructed by Regional Director Virgilio C. Eduarte.