BOCAUE, Bulacan -- The transformation of the Philippine Arena complex into a "We Heal As One Center" is now 70 percent complete.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) worked on the energization of the three mega tents in preparation for the upcoming operation of the quarantine facilities.
"Meralco has committed to work beginning today for the installation of poles, primary power lines, transformers, and other accessories to energize the premises of three mega tents located at Ciudad De Victoria estate," DPWH Task Force on Augmentation of Local and National Health Facilities Head Undersecretary Emil Sadain said.
Sadain sought the assistance of the electric distribution utility company through a formal letter addressed to Meralco chairperson Manuel Pangilinan in providing fixed supplies of electricity for the mega tents as they are presently being powered by a generator set.
DPWH also requested Pangilinan free Wi-Fi access from PLDT and Smart, water supply from Maynilad and free pass at NLEX toll road leading to Ciudad De Victoria exit.
Secretary Mark Villar earlier instructed the DPWH Task Force together with the Regional Office headed by director Roseller Tolentino to intensify the monitoring of works for the repurposing of mega tents into health facilities for isolation and treatment of about 300 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients with mild or no symptoms.
Sadain anticipated that all civil works at Philippine Arena will be finished in less than ten days since the work was started on April 20.
"The target of DPWH Task Force and Central Luzon is to be able to complete all cubicles, nurse stations, sanitizing chambers and test booths of the center by April 27 and turn-over to Department of Health and National Task Force Against Covid-19," Sadain added.
Helping accelerate the progress of works are augmentation of workers mobilized by Tolentino from the District Engineering Offices of Bulacan 1 & 2, and Pampanga 1. (PIA)