The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has recently completed additional healthcare facilities in Iloilo City as part of its contribution towards fighting COVID-19 pandemic.
DPWH Secretary and Isolation Czar Mark A. Villar, citing DPWH Regional Office 6 (DPWH-RO6) Director Lea N. Delfinado’s report, said that the newly-completed facilities at Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district in Iloilo City include quarantine/isolation facility for patients in the city and a separate off-site dormitory for medical personnel use.
With the additional healthcare facility, some of the COVID-19 cases in Jaro district can now be transferred for better accommodation, said Secretary Villar.
The quarantine/isolation facility has 16 air-conditioned rooms, each equipped with one (1) bed and a comfort room, which can house a total of 16 COVID patients. The facility also has a nurse station, male and female nurse quarters, and sanitation area.
Meanwhile, the Off-Site dormitory has 16 air-conditioned rooms with two (2) beds and comfort room which can accommodate a total of 32 medical front liners in the city. The facility is also provided with air-conditioned lobby with living and dining areas, as well as kitchen, laundry room, and sanitary area equipped with necessary amenities.
Both facilities have generator set to ensure uninterrupted power supply and for emergency situations preventing any electrical disruption that may be critical to medical professionals’ COVID-19 response.
Secretary Villar and Regional Director Delfinado were represented by DPWH Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto and Maintenance Division Chief Engr. Ma. Lucila C. Piñero during the recent turnover ceremony to the City Government of Iloilo and the Local Health Unit.
Meanwhile, five (5) more healthcare facilities both for Iloilo City and Iloilo Province are soon to be turnover by DPWH to local government units. These facilities include: quarantine/isolation facilities and off-site dormitories in Lapaz, Iloilo City and at Western Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo; and off-site dormitories at Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao, Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, and at Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.