The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is planning to convert its quarantine facility to a national vaccination center to help the government roll out its vaccination program next month.
MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the 800-square meter facility will be turned into a COVID-19 vaccination center that will help expedite the distribution and administration of the vaccines once they are available.
“The MMDA quarantine facility is open for any national government agency that needs a place to efficiently roll out the anti-COVID-19 vaccination program. We are always willing to lend assistance to stop the transmission of disease at the soonest time possible so we can go back to normal again,” Abalos said.
He said the agency will help local government units on vaccine logistics and equipment for quick mobility across the National Capital Region.
The MMDA established the isolation facility located in its headquarters in Makati City to serve as a temporary holding area for its own employees who need to undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine in accordance with the Department of Health’s protocols.
Each section of the facility has a 24-bed capacity equipped with shower rooms, comfort rooms and lavatories. The rooms are fully-air conditioned, with WI-FI connection and are regularly cleaned and sanitized. Free meals are also provided.
Meanwhile, the MMDA chief also bared his plan for all the agency’s employees to undergo monthly COVID-19 swab tests to ensure their health and safety as the MMDA continues to deliver its services across the metropolis.
“Our personnel’s welfare is our topmost priority. We need to make sure that they are safe from the dangers of COVID-19. This is one of our ways to help the national government in curbing the spread of the disease,” said Abalos.
Last year, the MMDA allotted P20 million for vaccine procurement for its entire workforce. Each employee can also nominate one member of their family to receive vaccination as well.
The agency appropriated funds to ensure the procurement of the vaccines through the help of Philippine International Trading Corporation, an attached agency under the Department of Trade and Industry.
The MMDA continues to implement basic health protocols such as the wearing of face shields and face masks, maintaining physical distancing and the checking of body temperatures. Marshalls are also in place at the building to make sure all the health protocols are being followed.