The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-9, as the lead implementing agency in the construction of the TTMF has turned-over the facility to OCD-9 and was then handed over to LGU Pagadian.

The said facility was funded under the “Bayanihan to Recover As One Act” or the “Bayanihan 2” which intends to lessen the adverse effects of COVID-19 on socio-economic well-being of all Filipinos through the provision of assistance, subsidies, and other forms of relief.

The facility provides eight fully air-conditioned family rooms with beds, a personal restroom and shower, in addition to 64 individual air-conditioned rooms. The facility is also equipped with four nurse stations, four stock rooms, four standby generator sets and with water and electrical connections. A portion of the said facility will serve as an Alternate Command Site of the OCD-9.

Mayor Samuel S. Co said in an interview that the facility was originally designed as an isolation facility during the surge of COVID-19 pandemic however, since the pandemic has already been lifted, the facility can still be utilized as a multi-purpose facility should there be another Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) that might occur in the future.

“We are proud to say nga karon ready na gayud ang Pagadian whatever incidence, ma kalamidad man o ma pandemic man bisan unsa naa na gayud facilities nga andam gayud,” he said.

Mayor Co expressed his gratitude for the transfer of the facility recognizing it as a vital step towards their mission in providing comprehensive healthcare services in Pagadian. In his message, Mayor Co also announced that the local government has allotted a seven million budget for road concreting along the roads connecting the national highway going to the TTMF.

Director Ochotorena also gave his message of support during the ceremony emphasizing the multifaceted significance of the facility.

“We are turning over a very significant and important facility which does not only provide you a space but to provide you a good structure wherein it can be utilized in so many ways,” he said.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness among health care facilities to effectively prevent transmission of disease and minimize its toll on health care systems in the country. The TTMF constitutes a significant component that enhances the overall resilience of healthcare systems especially in times of crisis. (RVC/EDT/SBM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur/with reports from OCD-9 and photos from Asenso Pagadian)