NOAH complex eyed as vaccination center

CEBU, Philippines —  The New Normal Oasis for Adaptation and a Home (NOAH) complex at the South Road Properties in Cebu City may be utilized as a vaccination center if the BigFoot Studios management would allow the city government.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama said initial talks were already conducted for the conversion of NOAH Complex to help expand the city’s vaccination sites.

“Actually, convertible gyud na siya kun mosugot ang management under ni Michael Gleissner,” said Rama.

Gleissner is the owner of BigFoot Studios.

Rama said the facility is an ideal site for vaccination because the area is very spacious.

Lawyer Jocelyn Pesquera, NOAH manager, added that the complex it is well-ventilated and has enough parking space and comfort rooms.

Pesquera said if ever the BigFoot management would allow for its conversion into a vaccination site, the city government can ferry buses there— to and from the barangays.

“Kay ang concern sa mga tawo is ang transportation going to the vaccination centers kay pipila ra man ang atoang mga PUVs (public utility vehicles). The city government has enough buses which we can utilize during that hours,” she said.

She also said more vaccination sites should be set up to decongest SM Seaside, the city’s designated jab site in the south district.

Other vaccination sites are University of Cebu-Banilad, UC Alcantara, Robinsons Galleria, all are located in the north district.

Though the negotiation with the BigFoot management is yet to finish, Rama is hoping for a positive outcome.

After almost a year of housing COVID-19 patients, NOAH Complex will be closed by the end of May.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the city government and BigFoot Studios ended on May 15, 2021.

Pesquera said the last day they admitted patients was on May 5. On May 30, they will formally close the NOAH Complex and the city will turn over the property back to BigFoot.

Throughout its operation, NOAH Complex accommodated over 3,000 patients, with its last patient checking out yesterday afternoon. — KQD (FREEMAN)