LGUs urged to build Covid-19 isolation facilities

DILG spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said these isolation facilities will be used to house Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms and the asymptomatic ones. (File Photo: PTV/Website)

MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday directed all local government units (LGUs) to establish their own isolation centers as part of their efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

DILG spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said these isolation facilities will be used to house Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms and the asymptomatic ones.

“It is needed by the LGUs so please set up your isolation facilities immediately. Since ganun ang sitwasyon nila, hindi na po advisable mamalagi dahil [Since that is their situation, it is not advisable to stay because], they will just add congestion in our hospitals,” Malaya said during the Laging Handa briefing aired over state-run PTV.

Malaya said it is possible for LGUs to build isolation facilities using the PHP30.

824-billion “Bayanihan Grant” to be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The fund, Malaya said, could be used by the LGUs for response in the health crisis such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), medicine, food packs for their constituents.

LGUs could also use hotels as isolation facilities, Malaya said.

In a separate statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the release of the amount to cities and municipalities to enhance their capability in responding to the threat of Covid-19.

Año said the one-time Bayanihan Grant, equivalent to the Internal Revenue Allotment of the local government units for one month, must be used solely for programs, projects and activities related to Covid-19.

“The national government understands the big challenge being faced by LGUs in responding to the needs of their constituents amid the Covid-19 cases. Through this Bayanihan Grant to Cities and Municipalities, the LGUs will have greater capacity to purchase equipment and help those who are greatly affected by this crisis,” Año said.

He also thanked the President for his speedy approval of the request of Local Government Units and acknowledged the help of Senator Bong Go who first proposed this measure in behalf of all LGUs who are in the front lines of the war against Covid-19.

In a memorandum to Budget and Management Secretary Wendel Avisado, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea has already informed DBM of the President’s approval of the Bayanihan Grant and ordered the immediate release of the funds to cities and municipalities.

He also urged cities and municipalities to ensure that the Bayanihan Grant is used properly and maximize it for the benefit of their constituents.

He also reiterated his call to shun politics in this time of crisis and ensure that help is given even regardless of the political affiliations of barangays.

He also reminded them of the “No Epal” provision in the guidelines released by the government in the distribution of relief goods.

“During this Holy Week, we need to uphold camaraderie and unity in order for us to overcome this crisis. This is not the time for politics but the time to serve and unite,” he said.

He also urged the public to do their part in helping combat the Covid-19 crisis by obeying the guidelines on the enhanced community quarantine set by the government and cooperating with authorities.

Año said that in order for the country to rise above a crisis of this scope and magnitude, the people should be committed and united to tread the path of cooperation, healing and recovery.

He said the Bayanihan Grant will be sourced from the discontinued projects of some government agencies under Republic Act 11465 or the 2020 General Appropriations Act.