Negros Occidental OKs P198M to fight COVID-19

BACOLOD CITY –– The Negros Occidental Provincial Board (PB) has approved a P198.1 million supplemental budget on Tuesday, a part of which will be used to boost the fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Among those that got the nod of the board were the P100 million to be used for the repair of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) in Silay City; the P50 million for the purchase of equipment, reagents, and kits for the COVID-19 testing laboratory at TLJPH; and the P5.2 million for the preparation of the Yolanda housing project in Cadiz City as another quarantine site for the province, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer said.

Dr. Ernel Tumimbang, Negros Occidental provincial health officer, said they were bracing for the worst after May 31.

The Cadiz District Hospital, which has been identified as a COVID-19 center, has 15 beds for COVID-19 patients, but this can be increased to 40.

The provincial government-run hospitals in Kabankalan and Valladolid are also ready should there be a surge in cases.

Tumimbang also assured that the province has more than enough supply for Rapid Antibody-based and Real-Time–Polymerase Chain Reaction tests.

He reiterated that COVID-19 testing laboratories were being set up at the TLJPH, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Philippine Red Cross.

Of the approved P198.1 million, P30 million was also set for the Office of the Governor’s grants and donations; Treasurer’s Office’s traveling and training expenses – P1 million; Treasurer’s Office accountable forms and fidelity bond – P2.3 million; subsidy for Cauayan District Hospital – P1.5 million; Provincial Veterinary Office support for drive versus African Swine Fever – P500,000; Provincial Engineer’s Office repairs and maintenance of infrastructure assets – P2 million; Provincial Environment Management Office traveling expenses – P855,072; and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist’s general services – P4,524,066.