Philippine Arena converted into COVID-19 treatment facility

The Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan has been converted into a COVID-19 treatment and quarantine facility, named the We Heal as One Center-Philippine Arena.

This public-private partnership involved the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), and other corporations, with INC offering its facilities free of charge.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar directed a task force to convert the tents into a healthcare center within 10 days, a project completed on schedule.

The facility, ready to receive COVID-19 patients, is equipped with 300 beds, 24/7 healthcare, air-conditioned cubicles, free meals, and free internet connection.

It will be manned by 50 health workers from the Department of Health and will accommodate patients from Central Luzon and adjacent areas, including repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed gratitude to INC for their generosity and highlighted the spirit of bayanihan.

The Villar Group of Companies provided the hospital beds, and the MVP Group of Companies will provide free access through the North Luzon Expressway.