DPWH to fast-track construction of two COVID-19 facilities in Quezon City
CONSTRUCTION of additional facilities at two government-run hospitals in Quezon City will be fast-tracked with intervention from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), according to Secretary Mark A. Villar. In a statement Sunday, Mr. Villar said the Department of Health and national task force handling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response requested assistance for the completion of delayed building projects at the East Avenue Medical Center and Quirino Memorial Medical Center. On July 17, DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain met with E.M. Cuerpo Construction, contractor of the COVID-19 health facilities at East Avenue Medical Center, and hospital officials to address construction delays. “The DPWH Task Force will make further review on the plans and programs of the hospital building so we can come up with a catch up scheme that will accelerate the completion of the much-needed medical facilities,” Mr. Sadain said, noting that only the first two levels of the building are currently operational. He said the contractor has committed to finish work on the 3rd-5th floors by August 15, and the 6th floor by the end of August. Once completed, the new building will house 220 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. For Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Hospital Chief Evelyn Victoria E. Reside told DPWH that the delay in the construction of their health facility was due to lack of funds. Ms. Reside said only one floor of the hospital’s COVID-19 building project was completed by the contractor. In response, Mr. Sadain asked the engineering department of the hospital to present a report of the remaining works, including a budget estimate, to finish the 2nd-4th floors and two parking levels at the top floor, for possible funding from national task force. When completed, the facility can accommodate an additional 150 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients.—Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
Jeepneys allowed to resume operations in Cebu province feeder roads by July 20
TRADITIONAL JEEPNEYS have been given the greenlight to resume operations within Cebu province starting Monday, July 20, but only along feeder roads and not the national highway. Cebu Governor Gwedolyn F. Garcia, in a statement on Saturday, said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave the permit following a meeting Friday. LTFRB Central Visayas Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said jeepneys may ply feeder roads from the villages or any remote area going to the bus stops. The transport modernization program was also discussed, with Mr. Montealto noting that jeepney drivers and operators have committed to make the shift despite earlier opposition. Mr. Garcia, Mr. Montealto, other local officials, representatives of several transport groups, and government banks Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines have discussed the available loan facilities for the program.
