The Department of Public Works and Highways has started today the clearing and disinfection procedures in the three (3) mega tents prior to construction of “Heal as One” healthcare facilities at Ciudad de Victoria estate in Bocaue, Bulacan
Secretary Mark A. Villar said that workers from DPWH Region 3 were deployed at the mega tents owned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo for the clearing and cleaning activities in preparation for the modification works into quarantine center beginning Monday, April 20, 2020.
An actual planning of layout concept was earlier held at the Philippine Arena complex by the DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Healthcare Facilities headed by Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain with Assistant Secretary Leonita P. Gorgolon of the Department of Health (DOH); Atty. Glicerio “GP” Santos IV, Chief Operating Officer of Maligaya Development Corporation, and DPWH Region 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino.
Secretary Villar also sent the members of DPWH Task Force as well as the assigned district engineers of DPWH Bulacan 1st and 2nd, and Pampanga 1st District Engineering Offices to provide inputs for the mega tent conversion plans. Representatives of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were also invited.
With two (2) days allotted for the clearing and disinfection by DPWH together with the men and equipment of BFP, works for the DOH-approved quarantine facilities of 3.05 meter by 3.05 meter in size per cubicle similar to the facilities construted in Clark will immediately start on April 20.
As part of occupational health and safety measures to personnel who will be working at the mega tents, temporary barracks will also be built by DPWH workers equipped with personal protective equipment all the time.
The three (3) mega tents which will have nursing stations, sanitizing chambers, and test booths can accomodate about 300 COVID patients as planned.
Secretary Villar said that DPWH estimated the whole development for the repurposing of mega tents into quarantine centers will be completed in 10 days or less.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo has also offered to the government its Garden Suites, also within the Philippine Arena complex, as separate housing facilities for doctors and medical personnel manning the mega quarantine facilities.