In support of the ongoing fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully transformed a total of 100 housing units in Silay City, Negros Occidental into a working quarantine facility.
Based on reports from DPWH Regional Office 6 Director Tiburcio DL. Canlas, Secretary Roger G. Mercado revealed that the newly improved and rehabilitated spaces are composed of existing housing units under the management of the National Housing Authority (NHA).
Secretary Mercado further explained that the health initiative, which cost P14.02 million to complete, included the provision of beds, proper ventilation and lighting systems, and plumbing works.
In a recently held turnover ceremony, Director Canlas headed the handing of the keys of the quarantine facility to Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Arthur J. Golez.
According to Director Canlas, the facility is expected to house non-emergency COVID-19 cases in Silay City and neighboring areas, which in turn frees up hospital beds for individuals having severe and critical symptoms.
Meanwhile, Director Canlas said that DPWH will continue to assist the local government in the rehabilitation of 200 more housing units to be used as additional quarantine facility for Negrenses affected by the virus.
“DPWH is one of the government agencies always at the forefront of delivering basic infrastructure facilities since the beginning of the pandemic. Rest assured that we will keep on doing our part in countering the effects of the coronavirus in the country,” Secretary Mercado said.