DPWH, AFP break ground for 50-bed capacity hospital building in Army camp

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Armed Forces of the Philippines led the groundbreaking of an additional building of the Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Jamindan, Capiz.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the 50-bed capacity hospital building within its headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta on July 3, 2021.

AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana and Architect Vicente Rabago Jr., representing DPWH regional director Engr. Lea Delfinado, led the event.

The project was granted through the Department of National Defense and DPWH’s convergence program under Tatag ng Imprastraktura sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad (TIKAS) Program.

TIKAS program was initiated for the mutual benefit of the two agencies wherein the DPWH can mount projects with the DND while the latter shall safeguard DPWH projects in conflict areas.

The project, which has a total contract of P100,311,525, was funded through the government’s Build Build Build Program.

It involves the construction of two-storey Health Service Building with an approximate of 2,736-square meter area

Soldiers, their dependents and the local populace near the camp are seen to benefit from it.

Major General Eric Vinoya, 3rd ID commander, underscored DPWH’s continued support to the Army’s 3ID through the additional hospital building in a bid to help save more lives and promote better health condition of the soldiers in the region.

“With the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, the demand for larger space and better health accommodation also increase. Thus, this project is indeed timely and significant to accommodate patients, both military personnel and dependents,” Vinoya said.

Meanwhile, Sobejana said the project could help better motivate soldiers on the ground.

“Our intention really is to strike a good balance between mission accomplishment and looking after the morale and welfare of our men and women. That’s why our facilities, our billeting facilities, the Headquarters and other mission essential facilities including the hospital boost the morale and welfare of our troops during the time of pandemic,” he said.