The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) sees better response against the threat of COVID-19 as the Mariveles District Hospital – Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (MDH-TTMF) starts its operations on January 25.
The 76-bed facility houses an isolation room, x-ray room, and pharmacy to provide 24-hour care and temporary treatment to asymptomatic patients and those with mild symptoms. Cubicles, male and female toilet, a prayer area, a movie projector, and a positivity wall were also incorporated for that homey feel that aims to help in the recovery of the patients.
Meanwhile, AFAB Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda thanked the Provincial Government of Bataan (PGB), the 2nd Congressional District Office, the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the MDH for making the project possible.
“Hindi po matatapos ‘yung [ang] pagpapasalamat ng AFAB…Natural lang na kami po ay makipagcollaborate, makipagcooperate…Sa puno at dulo po, ang ating ipinaglalaban ay ang sustainability at pagpapatuloy ng viability ng Freeport Area of Bataan,” Admin. Pineda said.
Additionally, the Administrator discussed how the COVID-19 threats somehow brought challenges to the job creation and operation in the zone. Despite the challenges, the AFAB head expressed how much the Authority is looking forward to continuously fulfill its mandate while the provincial government provides support through the projects it undertakes.
“We are into 17 [FAB] expansion areas…anywhere in Bataan, dadagsa na po ang mga manggagawa kaya kailangan po natin silang tulungan at suportahan…We are very much honored with your participation in this partnership that contribute to our continuous viability,” the Administrator explained.
Among those who attended the inauguration are Bataan Governor Albert S. Garcia and Bataan Second District Representative Jose Enrique S. Garcia III. Department of Health Region III Officer-in-Charge and Director IV Dr. Corazon I. Flores also came to personally turnover the facility’s license to operate to MDH Chief Dr. Hector T. Santos. PRC Bataan Chapter Administrator Charlie Gatbunton, Jr. also joined the others as they signed the Memorandum of Agreement on the operation of the MDH-TTMF.
The MDH-TTMF, located at the 1,512 – square meter area of Standard Factory Building No. 13 (SFB 13) in FAB, Mariveles, Bataan, shall serve as an additional support to the AFAB-operated FAB Isolation and Quarantine Facility in the zone. Both facilities aim to accommodate COVID-19 patients needing care and treatment amid the threats brought by the pandemic.