Villar group finishes conversion of PhilSports Arena into COVID-19 facility

The group of Manny Villar on Monday announced it has completed the conversion of the PhilSports Arena, formerly known as ULTRA, into a 132-bed quarantine facility for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

The facility, which has two nurse stations, was finished by the Villar group together with the Department of Public Works and Highways in three days.

“We acknowledge that optimal isolation space is much needed amid this pandemic, hence, we fully support the government in its drive to repurpose any available government or private structure into health facilities,” Manny Villar, a former Senate president and chairman of the Villar Group of Companies, said in a statement.

The new quarantine facility is set to be turned over to the Philippine National Police Medical Corps. within the week.

The national government has been converting several government facilities into quarantine facilities to relieve the burden on hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases.

Other venues that are ready to accept patients are the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, and the National Government Administrative Center and the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.

Last April 15, the Villar group has also turned over the Philippine International Convention Center quarantine facility, which has 295 patient cubicles, six nurse stations and six smart houses, ahead of schedule.

The country has so far recorded 7,579 cases of COVID-19, including 501 fatalities and 862 recoveries. --Ma. Angelica Garcia/KBK, GMA News