With works at the Philippine Arena “We Heal As One” Center now on advanced stage of completion at 70%, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has worked on the energization of the three (3) mega tents in preparation for the upcoming operation of the quarantine facilties.
Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, head of DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities formed by Secretary Mark A. Villar, said that the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has committed to work beginning April 24, 2020 for the installation of poles, primary power lines, transformers, and other accessories to energize the premises of three (3) mega tents located at Ciudad De Victoria estate of Iglesia Ni Cristo in Bocaue, Bulacan.
On behalf of Secretary Villar, Undersecretary Sadain has earlier sought assistance of the electric distribution utility company thru a formal letter to Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, in providing fixed supplies of electricity for the mega tents which current power for lighting and airconditioning are supplied by generator set.
DPWH has also requested to Mr. Pangilinan free wi-fi access from telecommunications and digital services provider PLDT and Smart Communications, water supply of Maynilad Water, and free pass at NLEX toll road leading to Ciudad De Victoria exit.
Secretary Villar has earlier instructed the DPWH Task Force together with the Regional Office 3 headed by Director Roseller Tolentino to intensify the monitoring of works for the repurposing of mega tents into health facilities for isolation and treatment of about 300 COVID-19 patients.
Undersecretary Sadain has anticipated that all civil works at Philippine Arena will be finished in less than 10 days since the work was started on April 20.
“The target of DPWH Task Force and Region 3 is to be able to complete all cubicles 3.05 meter by 3.05 meter in size, nurses stations/doctor’s lounge, sanitizing chambers, and medical supply storage of the center by April 27 and turn-over to the Department of Health and National Task Force-COVID 19 to immediately operate the mega-quarantine facilities”, said Undersecretary Sadain.
Helping accelerate the progress of works are augmentation workers mobilized by Director Tolentino from the District Engineering Offices of Bulacan 1 & 2, and Pampanga 1.