DPWH-6 turns over makeshift quarantine facility to Guimaras town

Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Regional Office 6 led the turnover of a makeshift quarantine facility to Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, headed by Mayor Emmanuel D. Galila.

Delfinado said the P3.9-million project involves the conversion of the existing Regional Evacuation Center in Nueva Valencia into a quarantine facility for COVID-19 related cases and that can house approximately 45 persons such as locally stranded individuals (LSIs) coming back to the province, suspected COVID-19 patients, and confirmed cases.

“We have completed the construction of 45 units individual isolation cubicles inside the main building of the evacuation center furnished with bed, table and chair, trash bin and individual lighting system,” she said.

“Other than isolation cubicles, we have also provided nurse stations and office working areas for nurses and medical practitioners who will be assigned to look after the patients, including mess hall and room for medical supplies,” she added.

Mayor Galila said the LGU could save government funds with the provision of this facility in the province.

“To date, the province has approximately 80 LSIs who are housed in hotels in Iloilo City, which we are paying for P1,800/person on a daily basis. And with the completion of this facility, we can accommodate them here thus, we can save about P144,000 everyday and said amount can be utilized for other essential needs,” he said.

This makeshift quarantine facility is part of the construction/rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, Cluster 2 in the amount of P61.38 million, which includes improvement of two quarantine facilities located in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras and Carles, Iloilo; and four units off-site dormitories, 3 of which are located in Iloilo specifically at Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Don Jose Monfort Medical Center in Barotac Nuevo, and Dr. Ricardo, Lardido Memorial District Hospital in Lambunao, while the other one is located at Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Meantime, Director Delfinado said that seven more facilities and off-site dormitories under Cluster 1 in the amount of P84.15 million; six facilities under Cluster 3 amounting to P822.17 million; and five facilities under Cluster 4 in the amount of P66.82 million are currently being undertaken by DPWH Regional Office 6 in various areas in the region.

Most of them are nearing completion.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, who was also appointed as isolation czar by President Rodrigo Duterte, is fast tracking the efforts of putting up quarantine facilities across the country.

“These facilities will benefit not only patients but also medical personnel who are our frontliners, making them safe as they provide care and services to COVID-19 patients,” Sec Villar said.

The construction of these facilities is in support of the government’s “Bayanihan to Heal as One” act as means to intensify COVID-19 responses and preventive measures. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)