AFP chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. inspects the emergency quarantine facility in Camp Aquino which aims to reduce the load of coronavirus disease patients in hospitals. Photo courtesy of Nolcom
TARLAC CITY — Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. inspected Tuesday the various initiatives of Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) in combating the spread of coronavirus disease.
Santos visited the emergency quarantine facility for Covid-19 patients constructed by Nolcom’s 522 Engineering Brigade in partnership with San Miguel Corp.
The facility is made of light materials, can accommodate at least 17 patients and has a bathroom and lavatory. Also, each room has one bed, fan, and drawers for personal belongings.
Santos likewise checked the status of “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa Covid-19″ or “Plant, Plant, Plant” program of the AFP and Department of Agriculture.
The “Plant, Plant, Plant” program, which includes revitalized gulayan project and urban agriculture, targets to improve food adequacy level and food security amid the virus outbreak.
Santos also urged the troopers and their families to abide by the “new normal” rules to avoid contracting Covid-19.
The troops were reminded to be vigilant as possible exploitation of the situation by the communist rebels may continue to rise due to more adversities caused by the pandemic.
“Let us continue working together in performing our mission as one to fully secure the welfare of our people,” Santos said.
With the shift to general community quarantine in most of the unified command’s area of responsibility starting May 16, Santos assured that Nolcom is exerting its best effort to facilitate and implement the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. ––Trixie Joy B. Manalili/PIA 3