Construction of P7.5 million isolation facility in Medellin starts

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 and the local government of Medellin have officially started the construction of the P7.5 million municipal isolation facility in Barangay Panugnawan.

This is through the Kalahi-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) of DSWD which funded the sub-project.

“Garbo alang kanamo nga taga-Panugnawan ang pagpatukod niining isolation facility. Dili lang kay among mga ginasakupan ang makapahimos niini apan apil na pud ang 18 ka mga barangay sa tibuok Medellin,” said Juanico Diaz, barangay captain of Panugnawan during his welcome remarks.

The 200-square meter isolation facility will provide temporary shelter with amenities for mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. The six-bed capacity project will benefit the clients using the standard operating procedures to ensure that it will not compromise the people living in nearby communities.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala, during her inspiration message said that, “today is the manifestation of God’s work. It’s not about us, but it is about the people who rely heavily on the services of health and welfare ministry bestowed upon us officials.”

Medellin pandemic focal person, Donnalyn F. Son, gave the overview of the project, the representation centered on the reason why the LGU needs the facility and how would the third class municipality formulate policies for maintenance and operations once the project will be turned over.

Medellin Mayor Joven J. Mondigo, Jr. committed to fully support the Kalahi-CIDSS on behalf of the Sanggunian Bayan members.

“Our efforts will be fruitful, and we commit to oversee and maintain the facility in order to prevent Medellin from the possible surge of Covid-19 cases,” Mondigo said.

The representatives from the National and Regional Program Management Office and SB Members, Kalahi-CIDSS National Program Manager Janet P. Armas led the lowering of the tracing tube that marks the commencement of the project.

“We break ground for thousands of people who will be spared from the illness, and our work as public servants play a vital role in the community’s fight against the pandemic,” said Armas on the DSWD-7 for its unwavering commitment despite the odds.

The isolation facility is under the KC-Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) project that will respond to the effects of the pandemic using the Disaster Response Operations Procedure (DROP) and in collaboration with the Department of Health and Commission on Audit.

Prior to this, the DSWD-7 also released a P500,000 for 279 beneficiaries of Barangay Curva, under the Cash-For-Work of Kalahi-CIDSS for the economic recovery of pandemic-affected families. To date, the program already completed 20 sub-projects in Medellin, covering 967 households. — Jomelou Q. Menorias, CNU Comm Intern, GMR (FREEMAN)