Koronadal construct more isolation facilities

September 15, 2020

After the number of COVID-19 cases increased in the city, more isolation wards were built by the local government with the help of the Department of Education (DepEd) XII.

The said agency had offered the buildings of Saravia Elementary School as well as the Junior and Senior High School classrooms as temporary quarantine and isolation facilities as they had learned the necessity of the latter.

In a meeting of Incident Management Team (IMT), City Planning and Development Officer (CPDO) Engr. Agnes Daguro said, aside from quarantine facility, the city needs to focus on the expansion of isolation facilities in preparation for possible flooding of COVID-19 cases. She further explained that despite strict precautionary measures, the uncontrolled movement of people has led to a steady increase in the transmission of the coronavirus, Further, the ongoing repatriation of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF) workers is also a contributing factor.

Engr. Daguro also acknowledged that the local government is currently facing a shortage of funds used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Henceforth, City Disaster Risk and Management Council Officer (CDRRMO) Cyrus Jose Urbano allocated 1.5 million pesos out of Php3,000,000 quick response funds to be utilized in COVID-19 related expenditures.

Meanwhile, the renovation and repair of the said schools are already underway with an allocation of more than Php 400,000. City Architect Marvin Alegria and City Engineer Ruel Tianchon led the construction and plans to build 20 to 30 rooms that can accommodate 66 to 76 patients.

On the other hand, DepEd’s disaster coordinator and representative Jaime de Pedro signified that their agency’s directors are willing to extend additional help in-terms of classroom use in case the local government still need more facility for COVID-19.

City Mayor Eliordo Eugenia expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of DepEd Region XII.