With civil works at the Philippine Arena “We Heal As One” Center now at 70% advanced stage of completion, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working to provide the three mega tents with electricity in preparation for their activation as quarantine facilities for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.
Public Works Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, head of DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities formed by DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, said Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has committed starting April 24, 2020 to install poles, primary power lines, transformers, and other accessories to energize the premises of three mega tents located at Ciudad De Victoria estate of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“The target of the DPWH Task Force and Region 3 is to complete all cubicles, nurses’ stations/doctors’ lounge, sanitizing chambers, and medical supply storage by April 27.”
On behalf of Villar, Sadain earlier sought the assistance of Meralco thru a formal letter to Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, in providing a fixed supply of electricity for the mega tents. At present, electrical power for lighting and the air-conditioning of the mega tents are being supplied by a generator set.
The DPWH has also requested Pangilinan that the mega tents be given free Wi-Fi internet access by PLDT and Smart Communications; a water supply from Maynilad Water; and free passage at the NLEX toll road leading to the Ciudad De Victoria exit.
Villar also earlier instructed the DPWH Task Force together with the Regional Office 3 headed by Director Roseller Tolentino to intensify the monitoring of works for the repurposing of the mega tents into health facilities for isolation and treatment of about 300 COVID-19 patients.
Sadain has anticipated that all civil works at Philippine Arena will be finished in less than 10 days since the work was started on April 20.
“The target of DPWH Task Force and Region 3 is to be able to complete all cubicles 3.05 meter by 3.05 meter in size, nurses’ stations/doctors’ lounge, sanitizing chambers, and medical supply storage of the center by April 27 and turn-over to the Department of Health and National Task Force-COVID 19 to immediately operate the mega-quarantine facilities,” said Sadain.
Helping accelerate the progress of works are augmentation workers mobilized by Director Tolentino from the District Engineering Offices of Bulacan 1 and 2; and Pampanga 1.