BY NICK GIONGCO
The recently-refurbished Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) can be reconfigured to accommodate 110-120 beds for the purpose of housing patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said on Thursday.
PSC national training director Marc Velasco, tasked by PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez to coordinate with the government’s lead agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Health (DoH), said personnel from the Public Works have already cleared the space.
“They’re setting up now,” said Velasco, noting that the DoH should be arriving to install hospital beds in a matter of days.
Velasco said a team from Meralco likewise came to check the power lines to make sure that the venue is fit to shelter not only the stricken and those who will be closely monitored.
The NAS was chosen as a site by the government owing to its prime location.
“It’s accessible because it’s close to the road (Adriatico Street) and
there is ample parking space for large vehicles that will deliver
equipment,” said Velasco.
The PSC had earlier offered other facilities at the Rizal Memorial
Sports Complex as an alternative once the hospitals become too
crowded.
Even the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Vito Cruz, about 300 meters from the NAS, is an option.
The coliseum underwent an upgrade as well last year for the Southeast Asian Games.
Ramirez said the baseball park and the adjacent track oval could also be utilized.
Even the Philsports in Pasig can fit the same role, according to Ramirez, as it also underwent rehabilitation.
