The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) team assess the three mega tents inside the Philippine Arena’s Ciudad de Victoria complex in Bocaue, Bulacan. (photo from dpwh.gov.ph)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started converting the three mega tents at the Philippine Arena to serve as a quarantine facility for patients with symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Headed by Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Healthcare Facilities visited the Philippine Arena’s Ciudad de Victoria complex owned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in Bocaue, Bulacan to assess the three mega tents found inside the huge arena.
The three mega tents, offered by the INC, could accommodate around 440 patients with no to mild symptoms.
The design plan is now being prepared as the ocular inspection showed the need to modify the steel frames and other partition materials in compliance with the Department of Health (DOH) standards for health facilities.
Also needed are fixed electrical power with a transformer and augmented water supply as its current electrical supply and air-conditioning are supplied by a generator set.
Assigned to provide manpower service is DPWH Region 3 but the assistance of private contractors like those provided at the Philippine International Convention Center, World Trade Center and Rizal Memorial Coliseum would expedite the project.
Also lined up for DPWH is the conversion of the Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena or Philsports Arena (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City into another quarantine facility to accommodate the treatment of around 156 patients. (Jojo Mangahis)