A new off-site dormitory that will provide temporary shelter to medical personnel of Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) in San Fernando City, Pampanga was recently completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
DPWH assures the continuous assistance to the Department of Health in the provision of the much needed public health facilities to meet the COVID-19 national health emergency, said Secretary Villar.
Secretary Mark A. Villar, citing a report of DPWH Task Force to Facilitate Augmentation of National and Local Health Facilities said that Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital is the recent recipient of an off-site dormitory with 16 rooms for 32 health-care workers.
Undersceretary Emil K. Sadain, head of DPWH Task Force to Facilitate Augmentation of National and Local Health Facilities formed by Secretary Villar, turned over the completed dorm facility on Thursday, July 30, 2020 to JBLMGH management led by Medical Center Chief Dr. Monserrat S. Chichioco.
Also present are Dr. Leonita P. Gorgolon of DOH and members of DPWH Task Force namely Bureau of Construction Director Eric Ayapana and Assistant Director Edgardo Garces Garces, and Bureau of Design OIC Director Aristarco Doroy.
As one of the major designated health facilities with capabilities to admit COVID-19 cases, Secretary Villar approved the recommendation of Underscretary Sadain to build off-site dormitory at JBLMGH conducive for temporary staying place of doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel working long and grueling hours in attending to patients.
“Our DPWH Task Force to Facilitate Augmentation of National and Local Health Facilities ensured that each of the airconditioned rooms is equipped with double-decker beds for two (2) persons with toilet and water heater for their safety and comfort," said Secretary Villar.
The newly-completed dormitory which is made of modular components fabricated with the middle space intended for the living room and common dining of frontliners also has a separate area for laundry and kitchen with available appliances.
This is DPWH way to show our support for health-care workers of JBLMGH who are providing lifesaving care to patients including referred employees of our Department with symptoms and confirmed COVID-19 cases, said Undersecretary Sadain.
Dr. Chichioco expressed her gratitude to DPWH for the off-site dormitory facility as it will keep safe the JBLMGH medical doctors and staff providing care and services.
JBLMGH caters to the people of Region 3 with Pampanga as its primary-served area and the nearby provinces of Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Zambales and Aurora as secondary areas.