The isolation facility in Buluan, Maguindanao is one of the eight facilities being constructed across the BARMM by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and funded by the Office of the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.
COTABATO CITY—Officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomus Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) inaugurated on Friday, July 2, the 100-bed isolation facility for Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in Buluan, Maguindanao.
The facility, constructed at Buluan District Hospital (BDH), was funded by the Bangsamoro Government’s Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) and was implemented by the Ministry of Public Works (MPW).
MPW Minister Archt. Eduard Guerra said BARMM has eight isolation facility projects across the region, each with 27 million pesos budget that covers its construction, and supplies and materials.
Five facilities were already inaugurated and are operational — two in Maguindanao, one in Lanao del Sur, one in Sulu, and one in Tawi-Tawi. The facility in Malabang, Lanao del Sur is still under construction.
“The isolation facility in Basilan is set to be turned over next week,” Guerra added.
Ministry of Health (MOH) Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas said the facility will help in fighting Covid-19 more effectively and efficiently.
“The Ministry of Health will allot about one million per month para sa operationalization, maintenance and other operating expenses,” Abas said.
In a statement, Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said constructing Covid-19 dedicated facilities is one among the efforts of the regional government to contain the spread of the virus, even during the transition period.
“This building is a living testament that even though the Bangsamoro Government is still undergoing the very complex transition period, we are doing everything we could in fulfilling our common aspiration of a better life for all,” Ebrahim said.
Dr. Rizaldy Piang, BDH OIC Chief said the facility will cater to the healthcare needs of patients from six towns of Buluan, Pandag, Paglat, Mangudadatu, General Salipada K Pendatun, and Paglas in Maguindanao.
Piang added nearby towns in Soccksargen (Region 12) can also be admitted in the facility.
“With this facility, we expect that we can help mitigate the risks posed by the life-threatening disease,” Piang added.
As of Thursday, Maguindanao recorded 1,882 total cases, with 149 remaining active cases. The region logged 49 new cases, that made 8,603 total cases. BARMM has also recorded 7,674 recoveries, or at 89% recovery rate from total cases. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
