MANILA – The Philippine Arena can now accept coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients for quarantine after the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has turned over its property to the national government as a patient care center (PCC) on Thursday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said. 

In a statement, BCDA said the We Heal as One Center-Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan was completed in 10 days. It has an initial capacity of 300 beds and will be manned by 50 medical personnel from the Department of Health. 

The newest PCC is currently used by 87 overseas Filipino workers from Spain and Italy for their mandatory 14-day quarantine. In a previous interview, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon said the Philippine Arena patient care center will be utilized by patients from Central Luzon. 

Aside from the Philippine Arena, there are other quarantine facilities in New Clark City and Clark Freeport Zone for Region III. While the government is building up its testing capacity, it also ramps up the construction of PCCs nationwide. Dizon said this is part of the government’s “locate, isolate, cure” strategy in fighting against Covid-19. 

Among the companies that collaborate to put up the PCC in Philippine Arena include the Villar Group of Companies for the hospital beds, PLDT and Smart Communications for the internet connection, Maynilad Water Services for the water supply, Manila Electric Co. for free installation of power lines and connection, and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for the free access for medical workers and patients via NLEX. (PNA)