TUBLAY, Benguet — The first COVID-19 isolation facility built by the Department of Public Works and Highways in the province of Benguet is nearing completion.
District Engineer Romelda Bangasan of the DPWH – Benguet Second District Engineering Office reported during the Benguet Provincial Inter Agency Task Force meeting that the facility located at barangays Ambongdolan in this municipality is now on its finishing stage and expected to be ready by December 18, 2020.
The COVID-19 isolation facility has 20-bed capacity and made up of structural steel and concrete with toilets and bathrooms, water tanks, a generator and air conditioning system.
The project with a total funding of P8,210,155.00 started last October 5 and was targeted for completion by Dec. 3. However, there were some challenges during the construction such as the low voltage of electricity which hampered the welding works. Thankfully, the Benguet Electric Cooperative installed a separate transformer in the area to provide better power output, Bangasan said.
Another challenge was the 75-meter access road proceeding to the site from the provincial road needed improvement.
Bangasan said the project is part of the “Proposed Various Medical Healthcare Facilities and Other Related Facilities for Covid-19 Patients and Healthcare Professionals” by the DPWH-Benguet 2nd DEO.
She disclosed that they are still waiting for the funding of six more facilities in identified areas within the district.
Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro thanked the DPWH that Tublay is the first recipient of an isolation facility which will be a big help in the fight against the COVID-19 in the municipality. He said that while the facility is located in Tublay, COVID-19 patients from the nearby towns could also use it
Governor Melchor Diclas assured the support of the provincial government in terms of manpower from the Provincial Health Office and the Benguet General Hospital who will manage the isolation facility.
Meanwhile, another COVID-19 isolation facility in the Benguet General Hospital being constructed by the DPWH-First DEO is also on its finishing stages and is expected to be completed by Dec. 25, 2020. **JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
