Military gets fifth emergency quarantine facility

April 10, 2020

The military received the fifth emergency quarantine facility (EQF) built by an architectural firm and combat engineers in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Capt. Jonathan Zata, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief, said the facility was inaugurated in a ceremony led by Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr with WTA Architecture and Design Studio led by William Ti on Thursday.

“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.

“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,” he added.

Zata said EQFs will serve mild to asymptopmatic COVID-19 patients to help decongest hospitals.

"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," he said.

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

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

Other units and military hospitals that are recipient 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 - NCR, Fernando Airbase Hospital, and the Manila Naval Hospital, Zata stated.

"Each EQF costs P 350,000 and WTA Architecture and Design Studio is still open for donation to build the remaining unfunded EQFs in the pipeline," he added.

The AFP also expressed gratitude to WTA Architecture and Design Studio and  Ti for the donation.

"For this, we are very thankful for Arch William Ti, Jr. and Associates and other donors for this kind gesture and show of care and concern for the soldiers," said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman.

"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. Robina Asido/DMS