The Department of Health (DOH) has allotted around PHP10 million for the construction early next year of a temporary treatment and monitoring center here for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Mayor Eliordo Ogena said Wednesday the initial preparations are underway for the project, to be built inside a government-owned property in Barangay Concepcion.

With a total area of 500 square meters, the medical facility will have a capacity of 26 beds and equipped with standard amenities.

The project, one of the six approved for Region 12 (Soccsksargen) under Republic Act 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2), will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“It is expected to be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2021,” the mayor said in a statement.

As its counterpart, Ogena said the city will shoulder the provision of more back-filling and rip-rapping for the site, the electricity and water connections, and the maintenance and other operating expenses. It will also provide for the facility’s workforce requirement.

“Once the Covid-19 pandemic ends, it will be utilized as a district health center,” he added.

The project is among the health infrastructures being funded by the national government in the city.

The DPWH is currently constructing a 32-bed Covid-19 isolation center using container vans, with a budget of PHP23 million.

DOH earlier released some PHP35 million for the completion and expansion of the three-story City Health Office building. (PNA)