University converts Falcons’ Nest to isolation facility
Date Posted: April 23, 2021 at 11:57 AM
Falcons’ Nest will house asymptomatic and mild Covid-19 patients from Metro Manila.
As a response to the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila, the University volunteered one of its athletes’ dormitories as Temporary Isolation Facility (TIF) for the efforts of the Philippine Red Cross against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, Director of AdU’s Office for Athletic Development (OAD) said the dorm can occupy more or less 56 patients with its 22 rooms -- four (4) on the first floor dedicated for the medical staff, 18 rooms good for three (3) patients each in the second.
Operations are expected to begin on April 21 after final inspections and preparations have been made by the National and Manila chapters of Red Cross.
The project is a tripartite agreement with the City Government of Manila and Red Cross, which gives the University responsibility for the site, utilities, water and electricity supplies, and security.
“The offer for the project came from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) Health Ministry, and among those who responded were Ateneo de Manila, UP, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, and Adamson, all agreeing to volunteer facilities as TIF,” Fr. Suan said, further explaining the initiative.
Fr. Suan also mentioned the Manila City government, through Mr. Cesar Chavez, Chief of Staff of Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso, who also happens to be an alumnus of the University, will shoulder the project’s food management and waste disposal.
“Given operations will be handled by the Red Cross medical team, we’re just committing the place, the utilities, and the guard on duty at the compound’s gate,” he added.
The said project is not the first time the Vincentian community in AdU has shown commitment in sharing their resources with the community.
“Even before this project with Red Cross, we already volunteered our dormitory in F. Benitez St. through an agreement with Makati [Medical Center]. Actually, they’re now using the Falcon Residence, a townhouse which serves as the dormitory for our athletes under Women’s Volleyball,” Fr. Suan shared.
At present, [Falcon Residence] which can occupy 18 patients is being used as TIF for MakatiMed personnel who tested Covid-positive.
Athletes living in the Falcons’ Nest have been transferred to the Athlete’s Dorm at the Saint Vincent’s Building compound.
