The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has responded anew to the medical care needs of military troops and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado turned over to AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Erickson Gloria and AFP Health Services Command (AFPHSC) Commander Brigadier General Edgar Cardinoza a modular hospital facility with 22 beds complete with healthcare amenities, toilet, and utilities at the Victoriano Luna Medical Center (VLMC) compound in Diliman, Quezon City.
Also present during the turnover of the hospital facility project implemented by DPWH Quezon City 2nd District Engineering Office were DPWH Senior Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rafael Yabut, Undersecretary and Task Force on Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities Head Emil Sadain, Assistant Secretaries Wilfredo Mallari and Rolito Manalo, and Quezon City 2nd District Engineer Eduardo Santos and Assistant District Engineer Leandro Visorde.
The blessing of the facility was led by Colonel Stephen Penetrante, Chaplain of the AFP Health Services Command.
The hospital project costs ₱21.864 million.
The hospital project built in the amount of ₱21.864 million is a joint undertaking of the DPWH, Department of Health, and Department of National Defense – AFP.
Mercado said that the facility will enhance the AFPHSC’s COVID-19 control measures by having the additional capacity to attend to the medical care needs of military and civilian personnel including their immediate dependents.
“We hope that this newly-completed facility will be able to supplement the much-needed additional hospital rooms and emergency facilities for severe and critical COVID-19 cases,” the public works chief added.
As the premier medical and health care provider of the AFP, the Health Service Command has staunchly pursued the realization of its goals in advancing its capabilities and equipment in order to provide the best healthcare services to the gallant troops and their families.
“The completion and turnover of the second modular hospital to the Health Service Command is truly a clear demonstration of the progressive collaboration of DPWH and AFP.”
According to Gloria, the completion and turnover of the second modular hospital to the Health Service Command is truly a clear demonstration of the progressive collaboration of DPWH and AFP in achieving the common goal of genuine peace and inclusive development through various infrastructure projects that shall ultimately benefit everyone in years to come.
The AFP Vice Chief of Staff also expressed his most profound gratitude to DPWH for being an avid ally in promoting the health and welfare of valiant soldiers and their families through resilient infrastructure projects.
“Let me emphasize that aside from servicing our troops, this new facility and the whole AFPHSC shall also be ready to serve our fellow Filipinos at all times, and under any circumstance,” he added.
