Covid-19 patient care center activated in Camp Aguinaldo

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines/posts/10158021250138766?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARC_6m9d2NAGla7zt-_4ojB8T08JnwGTVFKD8t1RNi6GZyO0c_6-mjrPKRnUvMuHLFyPuwnilagVRsL47eBwgNKAj6I-zTe5X2X0KvGo3UfA7T0ydQy7ELbSK9UTWGWyKoA9CeXSQzLto9KI9g-03-GtgVHIIpbxF1ibJSMymFW4-AkS-AmAI5cB6fNl4SNN8QIrUSjvp3d9OG5Mo0QIArKFVnnc–FoVPXcS166QY55fIhV-PhmHwDl6mmF1dcaaXt7FLtR-c9mr4gKv0wfmn_ZBPLTp6yWjoG5Vir3T7-mEuxtyXIXtZLygj607x0YsKStuv918DVhNlQArd_bI-oM5LQ7orvKSWtvXkNnj2nA4hODo-7_bBBw1Vnom-Hlx82Zso1IrPZ84EnhohsrpJ9H_L6RhCfre6MmwGtzdO81iS4xOT7EqjHuykm0sNu-09MVL-E&__tn__=-R

MANILA – In line with ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and WTA Architecture and Design Studio formally inaugurated an emergency quarantine facility (EQF) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Thursday.

AFP vice chief-of-staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr. and WTA Architecture and Design Studio led by Architect William Ti led the turnover and blessing ceremony of the patient care center, military public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

The EQF will cater to mild to asymptomatic Covid-19 patients as part of ongoing efforts to decongest hospitals.

Zata said the operation and medical requirements of the quarantine facility will be managed and supervised by Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Station Hospital (CGEASH) under the General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command.

CGEASH is one of the 47 military and non-military recipients of EQFs initiated and designed by WTA Architecture and Design Studio.

“We are all experiencing sudden and drastic changes in our way of life as we face this invisible enemy. Yet, we are very fortunate to have people whose initiative greatly contributes in our battle against a menacing foe,” Collado said.

EQFs are medically approved structures made of light materials that can house up to 15 beds and are built within three to five days. EQFs built for military hospitals are constructed by the engineering brigades of the AFP.

Other units and military hospitals that are recipients of EQFs include the Army General Hospital, V. Luna General Hospital, Air Force Hospital, Cavite Naval Hospital, Headquarters Support Group Philippine Army, Naval Air Wing, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, Fernando Airbase Hospital, and the Manila Naval Hospital.

Each EQF costs PHP350,000 and WTA Architecture and Design Studio is still open for donations to build the remaining unfunded EQFs in the pipeline.

“This is everybody’s fight and everybody’s cooperation is much needed. Each of us, from people at the forefront of this battle down to the people staying at home, has a role to play during this crisis. We are all advised to stay physically apart but if we want to win this war, we should stay united in spirit — closer more than ever,” Collado said.

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the facility will greatly help in protecting troops against the Covid-19 threat.

“We have been asked what have we been doing to protect the men and women front-liners of the AFP. Aside from what the AFP leadership has allocated to them in terms of medical supplies and equipment, and other support, we have this new quarantine facility for the troops and their direct dependents,” he said in a statement.

He also thanked Ti and his staff for their kind gesture.

“This is the fifth of its kind that they built for the AFP in tandem with our combat engineers. And we are immensely thankful. This surely will inspire every AFP personnel knowing that as they take on the perils of exposure to this invisible but deadly enemy, they have their backs covered by these well-meaning individuals. On behalf of the AFP chief, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., our heartfelt gratitude,” he added.