Six COVID-19 We Heal As One Centers with a total 1,500-bed capacity were built in only one week in the National Capital Region and Clark.
Through the joint efforts of the national government and the private sector, these facilities will now be able to accommodate 1,500 patients with mild or no symptoms.
Finished in just one week or less are the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Stadium at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Halls and the World Trade Center in the National Capital Region; the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga; and the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
“The fast-tracking of these facilities is a display of bayanihan spirit, and we thank the private sector for supporting the government in this initiative,” Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
All the facilities have air-conditioned cubicles with plug-in outlets, free food for patients and the medical staff, free internet connection, and round-the-clock medical assistance.
“That’s the kind of scale we are building to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the communities and decongest our hospitals so we can treat all patients in the best and most effective way possible,” said Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon.
Next to be converted into quarantine facilities are the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the PhilSports Arena or ULTRA in Pasig, and the Filinvest Tent in Alabang. The Philippine Arena alone can accommodate more than 2,000 patients.
The facilities, designed by hospital architect Dan Lichuaco, will be manned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Corps and Philippine National Police (PNP) Health Service.
All frontline healthcare workers assigned in these centers will be well-protected by providing them with the necessary equipment and supplies. Frontliners will also be given proper accommodation in close proximity to the facilities.
The national government partnered with the private sector in this initiative namely, the Razon Group (Prime Metro BMD Corporation and the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc.), EEI Corporation, Vista Land, the Ayala Group (AC Energy, Ayala Land, Makati Development Corporation), Filinvest, Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines, Aboitiz, World Trade Center Metro Manila, Lina Group of Companies, Megawide, Meralco, PLDT, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, D.M. Consunji, Inc., the Concepcion Industrial Corporation, and Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines, Inc.